Indiachildren - MEASLES

MEASLES

Measles is a highly infectious viral disease.

Incubation period
10 - 11 days

Symptoms

a.	Child usually starts off with a very severe cold, dry hacking cough and red watery eyes.
b.	Usually on the 4th day of the illness a rash appears with the temperature rising very high (104o F). Tiny pinkish spots appear behind the ears, on the forehead, face and neck. The rash spreads all over the body within 3 days, giving a blotchy look.
c.	After 3 days of the onset of the rash, those over the face starts fading. The fading progresses downwards leaving a brownish discoloration. As the rash fades, even the temperature starts receding.
d.	Throughout the period, the child is very irritable and restless. He also suffers from lack of appetite and an annoying hacking cough. But, after the fever recedes, he shows a sudden improvement and starts feeling better.

Duration of illness

Measles is a self limiting viral disease, which passes off without causing serious problems to most healthy children. Many children after an attack of measles have a persistent cough which can be treated with some medication.

Complications

a.	Pneumonia should be suspected when there is fast or labored breathing.
b.	Otitis Media, which is infection of the middle ear and should be suspected if the child complains of ear ache or a ear discharge which can be treated with antibiotics.
c.	Severe diarrhoea may develop which may become life threatening if proper fluid intake is not there.
d.	Encephalitis, which is swelling of the brain and usually follows an attack of measles. It should be suspected if the child starts having fever again, or develops fits or convulsion. This requires urgent hospitalisation and intensive treatment.

Treatment

a.	Isolation and rest in bed till the child fully recovers.
b.	If the child has sore eyes, then keep the child in a slightly darker room, and bathe his eyes with lukewarm water, which will provide relief to the sore eyes.
c.	Child should be kept clean and his clothes and bed linen changed daily.
d.	Sufficient fluid intake should be maintained.
e.	Usually a bland diet is given, avoid heavy food like cheese, butter, etc.
f.	If fever is present, then medication to lower fever is recommended.
g.	Steam inhalations given for 10 - 15 minutes, 3 - 4 times a day will provide relief to voice and cough.

Prevention
Measles is a preventive disease. A single injection of measles vaccine given within the 1st year of age gives a life long protection against the disease.