Let's find out more about Measles!
Measles is a viral infection , known and characterized by signs and symptoms of fever, cough, conjunctivitis, runny nose and red spots on the skin (rash). [1]
This virus is transmitted through direct contact with infectious droplets or through airborne spread, when the infected person coughs or sneezes.
A measles patient can infect someone before knowing that they are infected with this virus, as they can transmit it from 5 days before the first signs and symptoms appear, up to 4 days after the rash disappears.
Usually the disease is benign, but in some cases it can be serious or lead to death.
What are the most common signs and symptoms of Measles? And how do they arise?
After exposure and infection with the Measles virus, its incubation begins over a typical period of 8 to 12 days .
After this incubation period, some symptoms initially appear, such as fever and a feeling of malaise , followed by a runny nose , conjunctivitis and cough .
These symptoms are sometimes followed by the appearance of Koplik spots , that is, white dots on the inside of the cheek, 1 to 2 days before the appearance of the rash , the most common and well-known sign of this infection.
The skin rash (exanthema) is described as the appearance of spots, initially on the face, which progress to the trunk and limbs. Accompanying this sign, higher fevers and extreme physical and mental fatigue appear. [1] [2]
How is the infection treated?
There is no specific medication for measles virus infection, so intervention in this infection focuses on relieving or treating symptoms , when necessary.
Non-pharmacological recommendations include rest and water reinforcement , which means drinking plenty of water or tea. Medications may also be prescribed to control symptoms such as paracetamol or, in some cases, antibiotics to treat complications arising from the infection, such as pneumonia or ear infections. [two]
The important thing in cases of measles is to respect respiratory etiquette , comply with hand hygiene measures and maintain social isolation .
The best way to control infections is PREVENTION!
So how do we prevent Measles?
Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent infections and measles virus infection is no exception to the rule.
Portugal, in the National Vaccination Plan, recommends:
In children, administration of 2 doses: the first at 12 months of age and the second at 5 years;
And in adults the pattern is different for those born before and in the year 1970 and for those born after.
For those born in 1970 or before, vaccination is not necessary since according to the 2015/2016 National Serological Survey, around 99% of the population born before 1970 is immunized against measles due to having had the disease. [two]
For those born later and over 18 years of age, a dose of the vaccine is recommended.
Don't know if you are immunized against measles? Visit your SNS 24 portal and you will find your vaccination information there or visit your family nurse.
References:
1 - Moss, WJ, & Griffin, DE (2012). Measles. Lancet (London, England), 379(9811), 153–164. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(10)62352-5
2 - Moss WJ (2017). Measles. Lancet (London, England), 390(10111), 2490–2502. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(17)31463-0
3 - National Institute of Health Doctor Ricardo Jorge. National Serological Survey 2015-2016: Vaccination-Preventable Diseases. Lisbon: INSA IP; 2017