Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects children but can occur at any age. Despite the availability of a safe and effective vaccine, measles continues to pose significant health risks worldwide.
Causes
Measles is caused by the measles virus, a single-stranded, negative-sense, enveloped RNA virus of the genus Morbillivirus within the family Paramyxoviridae. The virus spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It is so contagious that if one person has it, up to 9 out of 10 people nearby who are not protected will become infected.
Symptoms
Symptoms typically develop 10 to 12 days after exposure and may include:
- High fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Inflamed eyes (conjunctivitis)
- Sore throat
- Muscle pain
- Fatigue
- A characteristic red, blotchy skin rash that usually starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body
Complications
While measles is often considered a childhood illness, it can lead to severe health complications, especially in young children and adults. Potential complications include:
- Pneumonia
- Encephalitis (brain inflammation)
- Severe diarrhea
- Ear infections
- Blindness
- Death in severe cases
Globally, despite the availability of an effective vaccine, measles remains a leading cause of vaccine-preventable deaths, accounting for about 100,000 deaths annually.
Treatment
There is no specific antiviral treatment for measles. Management primarily involves supportive care to relieve symptoms, which may include:
- Providing fluids to prevent dehydration
- Administering medications to reduce fever and pain
- Ensuring adequate nutrition
- Vitamin A supplementation, which has been shown to reduce the risk of complications
In cases of secondary bacterial infections, such as ear infections or pneumonia, antibiotics may be prescribed. Hospitalization may be required for severe cases, especially if complications arise.
Prevention
The most effective way to prevent measles is through vaccination. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine provides long-lasting protection against all strains of measles. It is administered in two doses:
- The first dose at 12 to 15 months of age
- The second dose at 4 to 6 years of age
Ensuring high vaccination coverage is crucial, as measles is highly contagious. If one person has it, up to 9 out of 10 people nearby will become infected if they are not protected. Maintaining at least a 95% immunization rate is necessary to achieve herd immunity and prevent outbreaks.
Recent Outbreaks
In recent years, there has been a resurgence of measles cases globally, attributed to declining vaccination rates. For example, Europe experienced a significant rise in cases, with numbers increasing over 200% in a year. In 2023, there were 306,375 cases in Europe compared to 99,700 in 2022. This trend underscores the importance of maintaining high vaccination coverage to prevent future outbreaks.
Conclusion
Measles remains a serious health threat, but it is preventable through vaccination. Ensuring timely immunization and maintaining high vaccination rates are essential steps in protecting individuals and communities from this highly contagious disease.
References:
- World Health Organization (WHO) – Measles Fact Sheet
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Measles About
- Cleveland Clinic – Measles: Rash, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
- Mayo Clinic – Measles – Symptoms & Causes
- National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) – Measles – StatPearls
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