Measles - Know The Causes & Symptoms!

Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by the Rubeola virus. There are 21 strains of this virus. The infection can spread from one person to another through physical contact. Children can also catch the infection if they are near patients when they sneeze or cough. Touching infected mucus and rubbing the eyes or nose with the same hand or putting it into their mouth can also trigger measles. Vaccinations can protect a person against measles.

3-4 days after the initial symptoms appear, patients will usually begin to suffer from a rash. This usually starts on the face and behind the ears and then spreads to the rest of the body. As the spots grow bigger, they may join each other. This is a reddish brown rash with raised spots. The rash can last for a week to ten days after which it will begin to recede. It fades from the face first and lastly from the legs. Patients exhibiting a measles rash should be kept isolated.

The three C s of Measles refer to a cough, cold and conjunctivitis. With reference to this, a cold indicates a runny nose. Children suffering from measles will exhibit at least one of these three symptoms along with fever. These usually appear 9 to 11 days after the child has come in contact with the measles virus. These symptoms can last for several days or may come and go. While the three C s may resolve themselves if a fever persists, medical attention must be sought immediately.

Children can be protected against measles by giving them the MMR vaccine. This vaccination protects them from measles, mumps and rubella. The first measles vaccine is given as part of MMR between 7 to 9 months. Second dose is given between 15 to 18 months and the third dose is giiven between 4 to 5 years of age again as part of MMR. Measles vaccine should not be taken by pregnant women or women who are planning a family soon.