Afraid of blisters? Let's talk about measles in detail

Has your child suddenly developed a high fever, red eyes, and a cough along with a runny nose? Every mother and father is scared when a few days later they start to develop small red blisters all over their body. This could be the "measles" we've all heard of. So let's be aware of this today. There's nothing to be afraid of, if you know this correctly, you can face any situation.

What is measles?

Simply put, measles is a viral infection. The virus lives in the mucus in the nose and throat of an infected person. It can be easily spread to others through small droplets that are released into the air when someone coughs or sneezes. You can also get the disease by touching a surface that has the virus on it and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. The amazing thing is that the virus can survive in the air and on surfaces for up to 2 hours .

The most dangerous thing about this is that it is very contagious. Imagine, if you haven't been vaccinated against measles, and you are in a room with someone who has measles, there is a high probability of you getting the disease yourself, which is 90% .

Another important thing is that you can spread the disease to someone else up to 4 days before the characteristic red rash appears on your body. This means that you can spread the virus to others without even knowing that you have the disease. Also, you can spread the disease to someone else for up to 4 days after the rash has disappeared.

What are the symptoms of measles?

Measles usually develops in stages over a period of 2-3 weeks. The virus does not show any symptoms for the first 10-14 days after entering the body. We call this the incubation period. It is then that symptoms begin to appear.

Let's understand these stages clearly from the table below.

What are the risk factors for developing measles?

Measles is very easily spread. The virus is released into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The disease is spread by breathing in that air. It can also be spread by coming into contact with any secretions from the nose or mouth of an infected person.

You are at increased risk of developing measles if you:

• If you have not received the MMR vaccine: Especially young children and pregnant mothers.
• If you have a vitamin A deficiency: If people with a vitamin A deficiency get measles, the symptoms may be more severe.
• If the immune system is weak: People with weakened immune systems due to another medical condition (e.g. leukemia) or treatment (e.g. cancer treatment) are at higher risk.
• If you have recently traveled abroad: Some countries are at risk because measles is common.

How does the doctor diagnose this? What is the treatment?

Your doctor will first ask you about your symptoms. Then they will carefully examine your body. They will also look for white spots inside your mouth called ``Koplik spots.'' Sometimes, they may also do a blood test to confirm the disease.

However, there are things you can do if you get the disease.

• Post-exposure vaccination: If you have not been vaccinated, getting the MMR vaccine within 72 hours of exposure to someone with measles can prevent the disease or reduce the severity of symptoms.
• Immune serum globulin: If pregnant mothers, very young children, or anyone with a weakened immune system are exposed to a patient, this protein vaccine can prevent or reduce the severity of the disease by giving it within 6 days.

Additionally, if measles causes a bacterial infection, such as an ear infection or pneumonia, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to treat it.

Things you can do at home:

• Fever-reducing medications: Use fever-reducing medications such as Paracetamol as directed by your doctor. Never give aspirin to children.
• Vitamin A: Taking vitamin A as directed by your doctor can reduce the severity of symptoms.
• Get enough rest: Rest is essential for the body to recover.
• Drink plenty of fluids: Drink plenty of water, porridge, and fruit juice to prevent dehydration due to fever and sweating.
• Reduce light: Reduce the light in the room or wear sunglasses to reduce eye strain caused by light.

Dangerous complications that can occur due to measles

Measles is not just a mild illness that causes a few blisters and goes away. It can cause serious complications for some people, especially children under 5 and adults over 20.

• Ear infections: This is the most common complication. Sometimes, it can lead to permanent hearing loss.
• Pneumonia: A severe infection of the lungs.
• Diarrhea: Severe diarrhea can cause dehydration.
• Encephalitis: This is an infection of the brain. About 1 in 1,000 people who get measles develop this. It can cause deafness, brain damage, and even death.
• Pregnancy complications: Measles during pregnancy can lead to low birth weight, premature birth, or even death for the mother.
• SSPE (Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis): This is a very rare, but fatal complication. It is a disease that affects the central nervous system 7-10 years after measles.

Prevention is best - the importance of the MMR vaccine

The best and only way to protect against measles is through vaccination. This is done through the MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccine, which protects against all three diseases: measles, mumps, and rubella.

According to the National Immunization Program in Sri Lanka, it is mandatory to give this vaccine to your child at the appropriate age. After receiving both doses of this vaccine, there is a high level of protection of about 97%. Your family health worker or doctor will inform you about this exactly.

The MMR vaccine is safe for most people. However, it should not be given to pregnant women, people with very weak immune systems (such as those undergoing cancer treatment), or people with severe allergies to any of the vaccine's ingredients. So, if you have any concerns about getting the vaccine, it's best to talk to your doctor.

If you suspect that you or your child has measles symptoms, stay away from other people and see a doctor as soon as possible. If you are going to the hospital, let the hospital know that you suspect you have measles as soon as you arrive. This will allow them to take the necessary steps to prevent the spread of the disease to other patients.