Measles
Definition
A highly contatious infection caused by Measles virus affecting usually the children
Measles virus : RNA virus - in the family Paramyxoviridae
Etiology and Incidence
Spread by coughint and sneezing via close personal contact or direct contact with secretions
Risk factors : immunodeficiency caused by HIV or AIDS
Immunosuppression following receipt of an organ or a stem cell transplant
Alkylating agents
Steroid therapy
Travel to endemic areas
Clinical Features
4 day fever - may last for a week - 40°C (104°F)
Cough, cold, sneezing, conjunctivitis
Rashes - generalized red maculopapular that begins several days after the fever starts
Itching +
Koplik's spots inside the mouth
Complications
Diarrhoea
Pneumonia
Bronchitis
Otitis media
Panencephalitis
Corneal ulcer - corneal scarring
Laboratory Tests
IgM antibodies
Isolation of the RNA virus from respiratory specimens, saliva, mucus
Treatment
No specific treatment
Only supportive treatment
Ibuprofen/paracetamol
If needed bronchodilators and mucolytics
Antibiotics if secondary infection of the respiratory occurs
Prevention
Measles vaccine
A part of a three part MMR vaccine (measles, mumps and rubella)
