Measles

Measles is an acute viral infection transmitted by airborne droplets and characterized by fever, catarrhal symptoms and skin rash.

Measles. What is measles?

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection spread by airborne droplets. The measles virus is short-lived, remaining in the air for no more than 30 minutes. Under the influence of sunlight and at temperatures above 50°C, measles dies in 2-3 minutes. However, air currents can carry measles over long distances.

Measles. What causes measles?

The source of infection is only a sick person. Infection can occur 2 days before the onset of the disease and within 8-9 days of illness. The risk of infection is especially high in the first 5 days. Susceptibility to measles is very high; you can become infected even through fleeting contact with a sick person. After an illness, strong immunity develops.

Measles. Symptoms of measles.

The incubation period lasts 8-21 days. The disease begins with fever, runny nose, cough, conjunctivitis. On days 3-5, whitish spots appear on the mucous membrane of the cheeks. On days 4-6, a characteristic red rash appears that lasts 3-4 days. After the rash disappears, peeling remains. Possible complications: pneumonia, otitis media, encephalitis.

Prevention of measles - vaccination and administration of immunoglobulin after contact with the patient. Treatment is symptomatic.

Thus, measles is a severe viral infection with dangerous complications. Reliable prevention is vaccination. If measles is suspected, immediate isolation and medical attention is required.

The name of this infectious disease translated from Old Church Slavonic means “baby”.

Measles is an acute viral infectious disease characterized by fever, intoxication, inflammation of the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract and eyes, as well as rash.

The source of infection is a sick person who releases the virus into the external environment up to five days before the onset of rashes and the entire period of clinical manifestations of the disease. The virus carrier is contagious from the last day of the incubation period until the tenth day from the onset of clinical symptoms. The mechanism of infection is airborne. The infection is transmitted through sneezing, coughing, and talking at close range. Young children and adults get sick more often, children under one year old are the least likely.