Measles

Measles Latest News

A group of scientists have raised concerns over the alarming and sharp resurgence of measles cases in the United States and around the world.

About Measles

• It is a highly contagious and serious airborne disease.
• Cause: It is caused by a virus in the paramyxovirus family, and is normally passed through direct contact and the air.
• Measles can affect anyone but is most common in children.
• The virus infects the respiratory tract, then spreads throughout the body, causing severe disease, complications and even death.

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Symptoms of Measles

• The first sign of measles is usually high fever, beginning about 10 to 14 days after exposure to the virus and lasting four to seven days.
• A runny nose, cough, red and watery eyes, and small white spots inside the cheeks can develop in the initial stage.
• A rash erupts after several days, usually on the face and upper neck. The rash spreads over about three days, eventually reaching the hands and feet, and lasts five to six days before fading. 
• Any non-immune person (not vaccinated or vaccinated but did not develop immunity) can become infected.
• Unvaccinated young children and pregnant persons are at highest risk of severe measles complications.
• Treatment: No specific antiviral treatment exists for measles.

Source: DTE