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Measles Vaccine Information - Causes, Symptoms And Treatment of German measles

What is Measles ?

Measles is one of the most contagious viral diseases. It is caused by paramyxo virus and is the most unpleasant and the most dangerous of the children's diseases that result in a rash. This is due to the complications of the disease.

What is German Measles ?

German measles is an illness caused by a virus . Epidemics tend to break out every three to four years, although the illness is less contagious than measles and chickenpox.

While most children have measles in their early childhood, a lot do not get German measles until they are quite a bit older; 10-20% of 20-25 year olds have never had the disease. In fact, a lot of people have German measles in such a mild form that it is never diagnosed.

Symptoms of Measles

Measles symptoms generally appear in two stages. In the first stage, the individual may have a runny nose, cough and a slight fever. The eyes may become reddened and sensitive to light while the fever consistently rises each day. The second stage begins on the third to seventh day and consists of a temperature of 103-105 degrees Fahrenheit and a red blotchy rash lasting four to seven days. The rash usually begins on the face and then spreads over the entire body. Koplik spots (little white spots) may also appear on the gums and inside of the cheeks.

Diagnosis of Measles

Your doctor can usually diagnose measles based on the disease's characteristic rash as well as the small, bright red spots with bluish-white centers on the inside lining of the cheek, called Koplik's spots. Because measles is so uncommon in the United States today, your doctor may obtain a blood sample to confirm whether the rash is truly measles.

Treatment of Measles

There is no specific treatment for measles which is why immunisation is so important. Treatment for mild cases of measles is supportive.

• Give paracetamol for fever.
• Maintain fluid intake so dehydration doesn't occur.
• Provide nutritional support if necessary.
• Observe high-risk individuals carefully to prevent complications.

Severe cases of measles usually require hospitalisation. Antibiotics may be given to treat secondary bacterial infections from complications such as otitis media, infectious diarrhoea, pneumonia and sepsis.

Preventions tips for Measles

• The patient's mouth and nose should be washed several times daily to keep them clean.
• Fomentation should be given to the chest at least three times a day in case of cough.
• The eyes must be well cared for .and must be. washed frequently with cool boric acid solution.
• The patient should be given mild, soft and salt-free and cooling things to eat like curds, oranges, sweet limes, bananas etc.
• The eyes may be sensitive to light and have an irritating discharge. Wash the eyes by wiping with a clean, wet washcloth and avoid rubbing.
• Keep lights dim or the room darkened; sunglasses may also be helpful.