MEASLES

MEASLES

It is an acute highly infectious disease of childhood characterized by fever and catarrhal symptoms followed by typical rash.

Agent : RNA myxovirus

Source of infection : Cases of measles

Infective material : Secretion of nose, throat, respiratory tract along with rashes in early stage.

Communicability : During prodromal stage and eruptive stage.

Mode of transmission :    ·   Droplet infection

• Portal of entry – respiratory tract
• Also possible through conjunctiva

Incubation period : 10 days from exposure to onset fever and 14 days to appearance of rash.

CINICAL FEATURES

1. Prodromal stage
2. begins 10 days after infection
3. characterized by fever, cough, coryza, sneezing, nasal discharge, redness of eye, lachrymation, photophobia.
4. Koplik spot appears on buccal mucosa opposite first and second molar.
5. Eruptive Phase
6. characterized by typical dusky red, macular, maculopapular rash, which begins behind the ear.
7. Extends down to the body with 2-3 days.
8. Post Measles Stage
9. Child has lost weight
10. Susceptibility to many infections
11. Growth retardation and diarrhoea

COMPLICATIONS

Diarrhoea, Pneumonia, Otitis media and some respiratory complication.

PREVENTION

Measles vaccination can be given independently or combined with mumps and rubella vaccine (MMR).

CONTROL

• Isolation for 7 days after onset of rash.
• Immunization of contact within 2 days of exposure.

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• admin |
• December 3, 2021