Measles

Measles  Latest News

Recently, one death due to measles, 161 confirmed cases have been reported in Kozhikode district so far this year. 

About Measles    

• It is a highly contagious, serious airborne disease caused by a virus.
• Cause: It is caused by a virus in the paramyxovirus family.
• Transmission of Measles
  • It spreads by contact with infected nasal or throat secretions (coughing or sneezing) or breathing the air that was breathed by someone with measles. 
  • The virus remains active and contagious in the air or on infected surfaces for up to two hours. 
  • 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.

Treatment for Measles

• No specific antiviral treatment exists for measles.
• It can be prevented with a safe and effective measles-rubella (MR) vaccine that gives long-term immunity.

Source: TH