Measles is a contagious disease transmitted through respiration caused by the measles virus. Among the symptoms seen in this childhood disease are fever, cough, runny nose, sensitivity in the eyes, redness, and body rashes. Although measles proceeds with mild symptoms, it can lead to serious complications in some cases. Treatment options include rest, adequate fluid intake, and the use of painkillers to reduce symptoms. Additionally, prevention can be achieved through the measles vaccine. Early diagnosis is important to prevent the progression of the disease and its spread.
What is Measles?
Measles is a type of highly contagious viral infection usually seen in children. The measles virus belongs to the Paramyxoviridae family and spreads through respiration; it can pass to others through droplets released into the air when infected people cough or sneeze. This disease is widespread globally and can rapidly spread among unvaccinated individuals.
Symptoms of measles typically appear 10-14 days after exposure to the virus. Initial symptoms resemble those of the flu, including a high body temperature, runny nose, cough, and redness in the eyes. Red spots spread over the body, typically beginning behind the ears and expanding to the face, neck, arms, legs, and other parts of the body. In individuals with weakened immune systems, measles can cause severe complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and blindness.
Measles is a preventable disease through vaccination, commonly administered as part of the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) combination vaccine to children. Thanks to the vaccine, the number of measles cases has decreased, and outbreaks have been controlled.
Causes and Transmission of Measles
The transmission routes of the measles virus involve droplets spread from the respiratory tracts of infected individuals. The virus can easily spread to the environment during coughing, sneezing, and even talking. Because the virus can remain alive in the air for several hours, its contagiousness increases.
An individual with measles can transmit the disease to up to 12-18 other people. The incubation period of the disease typically ranges from 10 to 14 days.
The period of contagiousness usually starts around 4 days before the rash appears and continues for about 4 days after the rash starts to appear.
Therefore, early diagnosis and quarantine measures are very important to control measles outbreaks.
What are the Symptoms of Measles?
Symptoms of measles generally begin with mild cold-like symptoms. The initial appearance of measles often presents with high fever and upper respiratory symptoms. Initial symptoms include:
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High fever (can rise to 39-40°C)
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Runny nose
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Dry cough
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Redness in the eyes
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Sensitivity to light
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Weakness and loss of appetite
In the following days of the disease, small white spots known as Koplik's spots appear inside the mouth. These lesions are quite typical of measles and provide important clues for diagnosis.
When talking about the first appearance of measles, one of the noticeable findings is the onset of rashes on the body. The rash usually starts on the face, particularly behind the ears, and rapidly spreads downwards over the body. The rashes are red, raised, and tend to merge. This appearance of the rashes is one of the characteristic features of the disease.
How to Recognize Measles Symptoms in Children?
Measles in children usually progresses more severely.
Symptoms of measles in children include sudden high fever, watery and red eyes, restlessness, and sleep problems, along with widespread rashes. These symptoms may be more pronounced in children under 5 years old and those with weakened immune systems.
Children with measles may develop serious health risks such as middle ear infection, pneumonia, and even seizures. Encephalitis (brain inflammation) and pneumonia are among the dangerous complications of measles.
Thanks to the measles vaccine, children can be protected from this disease, and the risk of serious complications can be reduced. Additionally, isolating children with the disease is an important step due to its contagious nature. In this way, other children are also protected, and the spread of the outbreak is prevented.
What is the Difference Between Allergy and Measles?
Allergy and measles are health issues distinguished by the characteristics of rashes. While itching is typically a prominent symptom in allergies, systemic symptoms are more evident in measles. The presence of systemic symptoms such as fever, cough, and eye redness are also important factors in distinguishing these two conditions.
The way the rash spreads and its duration are also among the differences between allergy and measles. In allergic reactions, rashes generally spread on the skin, while in measles, rashes can be seen in various areas of the body. Moreover, allergic rashes are usually short-lived, whereas measles rash may last longer.
Considering these differences, it is important to make a detailed assessment of the symptoms for accurate diagnosis and consult a specialist physician if necessary.
What is the Difference Between Measles and Chickenpox?
Both diseases are infections that cause rashes in children; however, measles and chickenpox originate from different factors.
Measles is characterized by red, raised rashes that merge. Systemic symptoms such as fever, cough, and conjunctivitis appear before the rash becomes prominent.
Symptoms indicate changes in the general condition of the child at the onset of the disease.
Chickenpox, on the other hand, is a viral disease that leads to blister-like rashes. The rashes can appear anywhere on the body and are usually itchy. This condition can cause discomfort to the child and a tendency to scratch.
The risk of measles spreading is higher compared to chickenpox; therefore, measles outbreaks can spread rapidly.
The course and risk of complications of both diseases also differ. While measles can lead to some severe complications, chickenpox generally proceeds mildly. Therefore, the treatment processes and outcomes of both diseases can differ.
Measles Vaccine and Prevention Methods
The effective way to prevent measles is through vaccination. The MMR vaccine (Measles-Mumps-Rubella), applied in many countries including ours, is given during childhood:
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First dose: between 12-15 months
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Second dose (booster): between 4-6 years
The vaccine provides protection rates of up to 97%.
How Does Measles Heal?
There is no specific antiviral treatment for measles. Treatment is generally supportive:
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Antipyretics
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Adequate fluid intake
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Rest
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Protecting the eyes from sunlight
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Supportive treatment in hospital if complications develop (pneumonia, encephalitis, etc.)
Measles can be very severe in individuals with weakened immune systems. In this patient group, monitoring in a hospital and special drug treatments may be required.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a measles rash start?
The measles rash usually begins on the face and behind the ears, spreading to the neck, trunk, arms, and legs. The rashes are red, raised, and tend to merge; most patients experience a high fever and respiratory symptoms before the rash starts.
At what age is the measles vaccine administered?
Children receive the measles vaccine with the first dose at 12 to 15 months old and the second dose between 4 to 6 years old. Two doses of the vaccine administered according to the vaccination schedule provide about 97% protection against the disease.
What happens if measles is left untreated?
If left untreated, measles can lead to serious complications; pneumonia, middle ear infection, diarrhea, and encephalitis (brain inflammation) are foremost among these. The disease can be fatal in young children, pregnant women, and individuals with suppressed immunity.
What should be done if someone comes into contact with a person with measles?
Applying the vaccine within the first 72 hours after contact can prevent the development of the disease or make it milder if it occurs. Immune globulin treatment may be administered to those with weak immunity or those who cannot be vaccinated; hence, it is necessary to consult a healthcare facility after contact.