There is a number of illnesses that affects thousands and thousands of children all over the world. These illnesses cause them to feel discomfort and pain. One of which is measles. This is actually a well-known illness that causes fever and rash to youngsters. And in spite of the vaccination that is given free, there are still some that experience this condition. This article will share with you the causes, symptoms, as well as the different treatments for measles. Feel free to read on, and enjoy!
Understanding more about Measles
Measles or what they sometimes call, rubeola is a viral infection that affects the respiratory system. This condition is highly transmittable, which may spread even with just a contact with the person’s saliva or mucus.
Measles is actually a highly transmittable virus-related disease that occurs mainly in children. Furthermore, this disease is often characterized by the acute nasal discharge of mucous membrane, cough, fever, inflammation in the eyelid lining, rashes, as well as eruption of red spots on the inner part of the cheeks in the mouth.
Furthermore, it is often hard to avoid the exposure to the condition due to its possible contraction from some other people whose symptoms have not appeared yet. Additionally, measles is not actually yet contagious four days after the rashes appear.
Accordingly, the result of the vaccination for the prevention of measles, all of the cases from for instance, in the United States has been brought from some other countries. Measles continues to become one of the most significant public health conditions in various developing countries. In fact, it has over 30 to 40 million cases every year. Most of these reported cases are coming from Africa.
Furthermore, according to the World Health Organization, measles is one of the leading causes of death in children. In the actual fact, there are about 114,900 global deaths in 2014 alone. And most of these casualties are under 5 years old.
Symptoms of Measles
The symptoms of measles always include fever and any of the following:
- Conjunctivitis
- A runny nose
- Coryza
- A cough
The symptoms may appear approximately about 9-11 days after getting contact with the infection. The infections may include:
- Widespread body aches
- Small grayish-white spots with white centers in the throat, cheeks, and mouth
- A reddish-brown colored rash
- Sneezing
- Sensitivity to light to photophobia
- Watery eyes
- Swelling of the eyelids or conjunctivitis
- Dry hacking cough
- A runny nose
Rashes are common when accumulating this condition. And this may become so severe. Most of those children with rashes may not be due to measles. But your child must see a doctor if:
- Some of the symptoms are treated and the fever still persist
- The fever temperature upsurges up to above 38 degree Celsius
- Symptoms have no improvement or get worse
- You see that your child may have the symptoms of measles
Causes of Measles
Measles is mainly caused by an infection known as the rubeola virus. This particular virus lives in the mucus of those who have the infection. Furthermore, measles is transmittable for 4 days before the appearance of rashes. Furthermore, it continues to be transmissible for 4-5 days after.
The infection may spread through:
- Touching a surface that has the infection and then putting the hand into the mouth or rubbing it into the eyes or nose.
- Getting near to people who have the infection if they sneeze or a cough
- Physical contact with a person who has the infection
Remember, the virus stays active on a certain object for about 2 hours.
Treatments for Measles
There is actually no specific treatments for measles. If there will be n complications, then your doctor may recommend you to rest and take plenty of waters to prevent any dehydration. The symptoms of the condition commonly vanish within just 7-10 days.
Here are some treatments for measles that may be beneficial for the condition:
- Those who have vitamin A deficiency, they can take supplements. These may help them in preventing any complications. However, this must just be done upon the advice for the doctor.
- Staying away from school and avoid having close contact with others, most especially those who have a weak immune system.
- A fever may lead to dehydration, thus drinking plenty of water is necessary.
- Various cough medicines are not beneficial for a measles Placing humidifiers in the room may help.
- If crustiness in the eyes is visible, cleaning them with damp and warm cloth may help.
- Wearing sunglasses to keep light away from giving direct effect to the eyes. This is since the condition may increase the sensitivity to light.
- Avoid going close to those who smoke.
- Treating the fever using various medications applicable to their age.
It is very important to increase our immune system to be able to prevent measles from affecting our health. If there is a free vaccination in your place, please make your children get injected. This will help them be safe for the rest of their lives.
