Measles / Rubeola

WHAT IS MEASLES / RUBEOLA?

Measles is caused by a virus. Physical contact, coughing and sneezing can spread the infection. In addition, infected droplets of mucus can remain active and contagious for around two hours. This means that the virus can live outside the body, for example, on surfaces and door handles. The incubation period is 9 – 14 days. The World Health Organization reported that with the implementation of vaccination measles mortality had reduced by 60%, from an estimated 873,000 deaths in 1999 to 345,000 deaths in 2005.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

These are cough, eye infection and coryza with high fever of 40 C / 104 F for a few days which is followed by white spots in the mouth mucosa (Kopilk’s spots). A rash develops over the all body after 3 – 4 days and can last for a week. Children recover after 7 – 10 days.

WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS?

This is more likely in children with a poor immune system, those who are malnourished, children under five years and adults. The complication, which are rare are convulsion, lung infection, brain infection and severe eye infection and death. Less common is a brain disease called subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) which can develop years later and can be fatal.