Pearl Princess |
Haibunda
Thursday, 09 Feb 2023 19:35 WIB
Recently, measles has attracted public attention. According to data, in 2022 there were up to 13,920 cases of suspected measles. Meanwhile, until now there have been around 3,341 cases of suspected measles confirmed.
Measles itself is an infectious disease caused by a virus. This virus is contagious and can cause dangerous complications, even death.
View from the official site sehatnegriku.kemkes.go.id, Measles is caused by the measles virus which is transmitted through droplets. For example, splashes of saliva when coughing, sneezing, talking, or through nasal discharge.
Measles is highly contagious which means the infection can easily spread from person to person. A person who is exposed to the measles virus has a 90 percent chance of being infected.
Not only that, people infected with measles can continue to spread the virus to 9 to 18 other susceptible individuals. They also won’t realize they have measles.
Prevention of measles can only be done by administering immunization according to the schedule. Unfortunately, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Indonesia experienced a setback in providing immunizations, apart from the COVID-19 immunization.
Measles immunization coverage continues to decline significantly. As a result, throughout 2022 there have been 12 provinces that have issued extraordinary incident statements (KLB) against measles.
Typical symptoms of measles
According to a pediatrician, Dr. Melisa Anggraeni, M.Biomed, Sp.A, there are several main symptoms of measles that you can pay attention to, Mother. For example, fever, cough, irritation, to the presence of white spots in the mouth.
“There are three main symptoms of measles, namely fever, cough and eye irritation. Then followed by the presence of white spots in the mouth, which are known as Koplik spots,” said Dr. Melisa on Hai Bunda, recently.
Adding, pediatrician, dr. KS Denta, M.Sc, Sp.A said that children with measles often look weak. Some also experience respiratory infections such as shortness of breath.
“(Symptoms) High fever, rash, red eyes, weakness, symptoms of respiratory infections such as coughing, tightness, etc.,” said Dr. Denta via text message to Hai Bunda.
Someone who suffers from measles usually also experiences a rash on the skin that expands over time. This rash usually lasts up to 7 days and generally appears after 14 days of exposure to the virus.
How to get rid of measles rash
Usually the measles rash will leave black marks, holes, and red spots. according to dr. Melisa, these measles scars will disappear by themselves for a few days.
“For measles scars, it usually goes away on its own within 5-10 days, unlike chicken pox scars. Just apply moisturizer,” he said.
The same thing was also expressed by Dr. Denta. He even allows when parents want to apply cream, aloe vera gel, or powder on the measles scars.
“Measles scars will eventually disappear on their own. You can (give cream, aloe vera gel, or powder),” said Denta.
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Measles healing process
Measles can strike someone of any age group. However, dr. Melisa said that children who are less than five years old and pregnant women are susceptible to measles.
“The age groups that are vulnerable to measles are those less than five years old and pregnant women,” he said.
Even though it is known as a dangerous and deadly disease, measles can still be cured. Doctor Melisa revealed that measles can be cured when early detection and vaccine administration are carried out.
“It can be cured if it is detected early and given immediately. There are measles vaccinations that must be given to children, namely MR at 9 months old, MR/MMR at 18 months old, and MR/MMR at 5 years old,” said Melisa.
Measles vaccine for children
There are several measles vaccines that can be given to children according to their age. The following is the explanation according to Dr. Dian Sulistya Ekaputri, Sp.A:
- At the age of 9 months, children are given the MR vaccine, but if they have never received the MR vaccine by the age of 12 months, they can be given the MMR vaccine immediately.
- If the child is 18 months old, another repeat dose of MR or MMR can be given
- The third dose of vaccine is given again when the child is 5-7 years old (in elementary school, in the BIAN program)
- The effectiveness of the three measles vaccines is very high, reaching up to 95 percent in the first dose and 99 percent after the second dose.
Even though the child has had measles, immunization against measles is still needed. This is because not all fevers and rashes are measles.
Rashes and fever could be because the child has it exanthema suddenly, or any other illness. By giving vaccinations, children will get immunity against measles.
Not only that, keep the child’s immune system optimal by providing balanced nutrition, adequate rest, and implementing the habit of washing hands. Avoid taking children to public places if not pressed.
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(mua/for)
