Measles is a viral disease that can be prevented through vaccination, especially with high coverage among the population. The group most susceptible to acquiring this disease is that of young children and pregnant women who have not been vaccinated.

The symptoms of measles change as the disease develops. The first sign is a high fever that lasts between 4 and 7 days, and occurs after 10 or 12 days of being in contact with the virus.

During the initial phase of measles there may be nasal congestion, coughing, red and watery eyes and white patches on the inside of the cheeks.

Subsequently rash occurs, a reddish skin rash that lasts 5 to 6 days and starts on the face and upper neck, extends to cover the body in a period of about 3 days and then disappears.

Measles can have serious complications, including dead. Some of the complications are pneumonia, encephalitis, severe diarrhea, and ear and respiratory infections.

How is it transmitted and what is its treatment?

  • In a person infected with measles, the virus is found in the secretions of the nose and pharynx. When you cough or sneeze, the droplets of saliva you expel can transmit the virus and cause the disease.
  • There is no specific antiviral treatment for measles. However, to avoid serious complications, attention includes adequate nutrition, fluid intake, treatment of dehydration symptoms, prescription of antibiotics if necessary (for infections of the eyes, ears or pneumonia) and supplementation of vitamin A. 

How to prevent measles?

  • Vaccination and epidemiological surveillance are two of the main tools to prevent measles.
  • Vaccination is safe, effective and economical. The scheme for the triple viral vaccine (SRP) that protects against measles, rubella and mumps, indicates the application two doses: the first at 12 months and a reinforcement at 6 years.
  • Adolescents and adults who do not have both doses of the MMR vaccine can receive the measles and rubella (SR) vaccine.
  • On the other hand, epidemiological surveillance is essential to identify possible cases of measles and take action.
  • In the world, deaths from measles decreased 84% from 2000 to 2016, mainly thanks to vaccination.

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