measles

The definition of measles is a highly contagious and dangerous disease which is caused by a virus, paramyxovirus.

Facts About Measles

• Measles is characterized by a skin rash.
• Measles is spread by airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes or by contact of the infected person’s bodily fluids.
• The incubation period ranges from 6-19 days with infected people being contagious two to four days before the rash appears and two to five days after it appears.
• Symptoms - Rash, fever for at least three days, coughing, runny nose, red watery eyes (conjunctivitis), sensitivity to light, and grayish bumps in the mouth (Koplik's spots)
• Treatment - There is usually no treatment for measles since most people recover naturally. Any secondary infections can be treated with antibiotics. Symptoms like fever and pain can be treated with ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
• The measles vaccine is made from a live strain of the measles virus and is given in two doses. It is very effective, protecting 95-98% of patients after one dose, and 99% effective in those who receive both doses.
• Fatality rates are 3 deaths in 1000 in developed countries and can be as high as 28 percent in underdeveloped nations.
• It is believed that measles came from distemper, a disease that infects dogs.