Measles is a highly contagious viral infection with a red rash that can cause complications such as respiratory infections and encephalitis. Vaccination is the best prevention, but incomplete vaccination programs in developing nations make it a leading cause of death among children. The disease is not related to German measles, and patients are still infectious for a week after the rash disappears. Vaccination became available in 1963, and revaccination may be necessary to prevent the spread of the disease.
Measles is an acute viral infection accompanied by a characteristic red rash. It is considered one of the most contagious diseases in the world and therefore poses a significant threat to public health. Fortunately, measles is preventable through vaccination; Unfortunately, many developing nations have incomplete or flawed vaccination programs, and it is still a leading cause of death among children in these regions.
Members of the ancient world acknowledged and wrote about measles; the disease’s name comes from a Germanic word for “spot,” a reference to the dark, mottled rash that is characteristic of the disease. The condition is not related to German measles, better known as rubella. The infection is spread by droplets that are coughed, sneezed or breathed out. Since the virus is airborne, it attacks the respiratory system first, but it doesn’t stop there; eventually, the entire body will be invaded until the disease has run its course.
A measles infection by itself is not inherently dangerous, although it can be uncomfortable and unpleasant. Within two weeks of exposure, the patient will develop a fever and runny nose, along with a cough and red eyes. A little later, a red rash will appear, slowly covering the whole body. Within about five days, the rash disappears, leaving behind flaky, crackly skin. The patient is still infectious for about a week after the rash disappears, but after one case of measles, the patient will be immune forever.
The risk lies in the complications associated with the disease. While the immune system is busy fighting the virus, opportunistic infections can occur throughout the body. Respiratory infections are extremely common, and in some cases, the patient may experience extreme symptoms, such as encephalitis, a swelling of the brain that can be fatal. The public health risk of measles lies in these complications, which can overwhelm health services if a large population contracts the disease.
Measles vaccinations became available in 1963, and many children around the world are routinely vaccinated. If a case emerges in a population such as a college, the entire population is often revaccinated, to ensure the disease doesn’t spread. When someone is diagnosed with measles, they usually try to keep themselves in, so the condition doesn’t spread. The patient should be kept hydrated and warm, and a doctor can monitor the patient for any complications to ensure the virus runs its course smoothly.
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