The Measles Epidemic: How to Protect Yourself and Your Family
In recent weeks, nearly a dozen cases of measles have been reported in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Georgia.
In this article, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, and prevention of measles.
What is Measles?
Measles is a viral infection caused by the Rubeola virus.
It is highly contagious and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
The virus can live for up to two hours in an airspace.
Measles typically begins with a mild to moderate fever, often with a persistent cough, a runny nose, inflamed eyes (conjunctivitis), and a sore throat.
This relatively mild illness may last 2 to 3 days.
Acute illness and rash. The rash is made up of small red spots, some of which are slightly raised.
Symptoms of Measles
Symptoms of measles typically appear 7 to 14 days after contact with the virus and typically include high fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes. Measles rash appears 3 to 5 days after the first symptoms.
The rash itself lasts about seven to 10 days.
Other measles symptoms may include a sore throat, white spots in your mouth, and muscle pain.
Causes of Measles
Measles is caused by the Rubeola virus, which lives in the nose or throat of an infected person.
The disease is highly contagious and the virus spreads through the mucus or saliva of the infected person.
The infected droplets spread into the air through sneezing and coughing and may fall on surfaces; this can remain active for several hours. The risk factors include not being vaccinated.
Prevention of Measles
Measles can be prevented by the MMR vaccine, which protects from Measles, mumps, and rubella.
The vaccine is highly effective and safe.
Since the introduction of a vaccine, measles isn’t nearly as common as before the availability of a vaccine. However, because immunization rates have been declining in the United States, outbreaks of measles have occurred in recent years
Vaccination rates are also not high in many parts of the world.
This means you can get measles when you travel internationally.
Anyone who hasn’t been vaccinated against measles is at risk of getting it.
Conclusion
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that can cause serious health complications.
The best way to prevent getting and spreading measles is to get vaccinated.
If you think you or your child have been exposed to measles, call your healthcare provider immediately. They can help you determine if you need to be vaccinated or if you need treatment for the virus.
