1. Measles Are More Than a Rash
Measles is a viral infection that causes a rash accompanied by a fever, cough and runny nose. It's very contagious, so patients should avoid contact with others as much as possible. Nothing can be done to cure you from the measles once you have it, although if an infant is immunized within 72 hours after exposure, it may prevent him from contracting it. Over-the-counter medications can be taken to treat the symptoms and make you more comfortable while the disease runs its course. The best treatment is simple rest and plenty of fluids.
2. Spreads All Too Easily
The measles virus spreads very easily, and patients are contagious four days before and four days after the rash develops. Droplets when a person coughs, sneezes or even talks float through the air and are breathed in by someone else who has now been exposed. In addition, droplets than land on hard surfaces can live up to four hours. If you happen to touch it and then touch your face, your chances of contracting measles are high. Ninety percent of those who are unvaccinated, living in the same home as someone who contracts measles, will also get it.
3. Classic Measles Symptoms
Measles has an incubation period of 10 to 12 days after an unvaccinated person is exposed. It starts with a fever, dry cough, inflamed eyes, sore throat and runny nose. Within 48 to 72 hours, red spots with bluish white centers appear in the mouth. The skin rash usually begins at the same time, starting on the face and spreading down the body to the feet. The rash is usually somewhat itchy, and will go away in the same order that it appeared as the disease runs its course over a two-week period. Fever goes from mild to more severe, usually spiking at 104 to 105 degrees F.
4. Preventable Through Vaccination
The incidence of measles in the United States has declined rapidly since the 1950's due to vaccinations. But worldwide, measles still causes approximately 1 million deaths per year. Sometimes parents are lulled into thinking that, since it's so rare in the United States, they can skip the immunization. But with heavy international travel to and from the United States, an unvaccinated person could easily be exposed to the measles.
5. Complications Some Rare, But Serious
Some people look upon measles as no more than a pesky childhood illness. But complications can arise. While rare, one complication from measles is encephalitis, which is an inflammation of the brain. This can occur right after the measles, or sometimes several years later, and can be life threatening. Another serious complication, if left untreated, is pneumonia. Less severe complications from measles, stemming from secondary bacterial infections, are ear infections and bronchitis. Pregnant women should take special care to avoid being exposed to the measles, as it can cause miscarriage and other complications.
