Most effective way to prevent measles is through vaccination
MEASLES is a highly contagious virus that commonly affects children. It is spread through sneezing, coughing and touching by an infected person. e most effective way to prevent this viral infection is by being vaccinated.
A recent outbreak of measles in Zimbabwe had killed at least 157 children by Tuesday last week (August 16), with the number of deaths doubling in just under a week.
Cases of the outbreak were first detected in Manicaland Province’s Mutasa district early this month. e total number of suspected cases nationwide jumped from 1 036 to 2 056 in just four days.
Government, through the Ministry of Health and Child Care, has activated countrywide rapid response teams to respond to the outbreak of the disease and embarked on a massive vaccination drive to contain it.
ose who have not been vaccinated against it have a high chance of contracting it if they are near an infected person. e best way, therefore, to protect yourself and your children from measles is to make sure that you are all immunised against it.
Causes
Measles is caused by infection with a virus from the paramyxovirus family. e virus can be spread through the air from respiratory droplets and small aerosol particles. An infected person can release the virus into the air when coughing or sneezing or just talking.
ese respiratory particles can also settle on objects and surfaces. You can become infected if you come into contact with a contaminated object, such as a door handle, and then touch your face, nose or mouth.
e measles virus can live outside the body and remain infectious in the air for up to an hour or two and on surfaces for several hours.
Viruses are tiny parasitic microbes. Once you have been infected, the virus invades host cells and uses cellular components to complete its lifecycle.
e measles virus infects the respiratory tract first. However, it eventually spreads to other parts of the body through the bloodstream.
An infected person can spread the virus to others for a period of about eight days, starting four days before the rash appears.
Most people who have neither been vaccinated nor had measles before are likely to become infected when exposed to someone who has measles. You can catch measles just by being in a room where a person with measles has been up to two hours after the person has gone.
Symptoms
Symptoms of measles generally first appear within 10 to 14 days after exposure to the virus. ey include a cough, fever, runny nose, red eyes, sore throat, white spots inside the mouth and a widespread skin rash.
e rash is made up of small spots, some of which are slightly raised, often in tight clusters, giving the skin a blotchy appearance. It generally begins on the face, and then spreads down the arms, chest and back, then over the thighs, lower legs and feet.
At the same time the fever increases, with the temperature often going up to 40 to 41 degrees Centigrade.
e rash may last for about seven days. It gradually fades, first from the face and last of all from the thighs and feet. e cough and darkening or peeling skin where the rash was may remain for about 10 days.
In complicated cases, measles may lead to an ear infection, bronchitis, laryngitis or croup and pneumonia. If you are pregnant it can cause pre-term labour, low birth weight and maternal death.
Treatment
Unlike bacterial infections, viral infections are not sensitive to antibiotics so there is no specific treatment for measles. e virus and symptoms typically disappear within about two or three weeks.
ere are some interventions available for people who may have been exposed to the virus, which can help prevent an infection or lessen its severity.
ese include a measles vaccine administered within 72 hours of exposure as well as a dose of immune proteins called immunoglobulin, taken within six days of exposure
Prevention
It is recommended that children as well as adults who have not had measles receive the measles vaccine to prevent them contracting the virus.
To prevent measles in children it is recommended that infants are given the first dose of the measles vaccine within the first two years of birth.
It would be wise for adults who have not had measles to be vaccinated against it if they are at an increased risk of catching it as a result, for instance, of working with children, such as in schools or working in a hospital environment.
ere are some people who should not be vaccinated against measles. ese include people who have had a previous lifethreatening reaction to the measles vaccine or its components, pregnant women and immunecompromised individuals.
ese individuals can include people with HIV or Aids, people undergoing cancer treatment or people on medications that suppress the immune system.
Side effects to vaccination are typically mild and disappear within a few days. ey can include things such as fever and a mild rash.
If you are susceptible to infection wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your face, mouth or nose.
Do not share personal items with people who may be ill. is can include things such as eating utensils and drinking glasses. Avoid coming into contact with people who are sick.
If you are sick with measles stay home from work or school and other public places until you are no longer contagious. is usually takes four days after you first develop the measles rash. Avoid contact with people who may be vulnerable to infection, such as infants too young to be vaccinated and immune-compromised people.
Cover your nose and mouth if you need to cough or sneeze. Dispose of all used tissues promptly. If you do not have a tissue available, sneeze into the crook of your elbow, not into your hand.
e information in this article is provided as a public service by the Cimas iGo Wellness programme, which is designed to promote good health. It is provided for general information only and should not be construed as medical advice. Readers should consult their doctor or clinic on any matter related to their health or the treatment of any health problem. — igo@cimas. co.zw or WhatsApp 0772 161 829 or phone 024-2773 0663