Most people are unaware of the fact that an estimated 128,000 people died from measles in 2021 – mostly children under the age of five, despite the availability of safe and cost-effective vaccines, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Measles, although regarded as a danger of the past, this infectious virus is currently on the rise and poses a threat to adults — especially for children.
BY: GUY JABBAR
Measles, also known as rubeola or morbili, is a highly contagious infection caused by a virus. Measles can affect anyone but is most common in children. It spreads easily when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes.
If infected, it can cause severe disease, complications, and even death.
Measles Origin
The history of this infectious virus spans back centuries. In the 9th century, a Persian doctor documented one of the earliest written accounts of measles disease.
Although, it wasn’t until 1757 when the disease was confirmed by a Scottish physician, Francis Home, who reported measles is caused by an infectious agent in the blood of patients.
Nearly two hundred years later, in the 1950’s, when a vaccine became available, nearly all children in the U.S. contracted the contagious virus by the time they were 15 years old.
An estimated 3 to 4 million people were infected each year, with significant long-lasting health issues and deaths.
Each year, among reported cases, approximately 400 to 500 people died, 48,000 were hospitalized, and 1,000 suffered encephalitis (swelling of the brain) due to measles.
Measles Signs and Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of measles include:
- Fever
- Dry cough
- Runny nose
- Sore throat
- Inflamed (red) eyes (conjunctivitis)
- Tiny white spots with bluish-white centers (called Koplik’s spots) inside the mouth on the inner lining of the cheek
- Skin rash made up of large, flat blotches that often flow into one another.
The rash starts on the face and then spreads downward to the chest, back, thighs, legs, and feet.
Symptoms of measles usually begin 10–14 days after exposure to the virus. A prominent rash is the most visible symptom. However, early symptoms usually last 4–7 days.
YOU SHOULD ALSO KNOW: The rash begins about 7–18 days after exposure, usually on the face and upper neck. It spreads over about 3 days, eventually to the hands and feet. It usually lasts 5–6 days before fading.
If the measles is left untreated? Here are four major complications of the measles:
- Ear infection: Common and can lead to hearing loss.
- Pneumonia: Most common cause of death due to measles.
- Encephalitis and convulsions: Brain swelling can result in convulsions, leading to deafness or intellectual disability.
- Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE): A rare but fatal disease of the central nervous system resulting from a previous measles infection.
According to medical professionals, there is no medication to treat measles and usually the infection would resolve on its own in two to three weeks. However, medication is often prescribed to ease the symptoms.
Measles Prevention
In children, who are likely to be deficient in vitamin A, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends vitamin A supplementation. Here are two preventive measures for measles:
- Vaccination: The best way to prevent measles is to get vaccinated. The MMR vaccine (protecting against measles, mumps, and rubella) is crucial for prevention. Another way to prevent being infected with measles…
- Isolation: Measles is a highly contagious virus, so isolating infected individuals is essential to avoid contracting this viral infection.
Bottom Line
Measles is not just a disease of the past. It has been responsible for thousands—if not millions of deaths worldwide — so, it’s extremely dangerous, especially for young children. Remember, if you suspect exposure to measles or notice symptoms, seek medical attention as quickly as possible.
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