Measles: Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment – GDA

Isabella Juice, The Trade – GDA. According to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), measles is a highly contagious viral disease, which mainly affects children with weakened immune systems. Along these lines, PAHO reported that, despite having a suitable vaccine, this virus continues to be one of the main causes of death in the youngest children.

What is measles?

According to Pascual Chiarella, measles is a disease caused by a virus called Paramyxovirus. “This infection was very common in children until the vaccine appeared,” he added. However, PAHO indicates that the most vulnerable populations to this virus are children with malnutrition problems and, therefore, a weakened immune system.

It should be added that this virus is transmitted by droplets from the nose, mouth and pharynx of infected people. Likewise, the initial symptoms usually appear between 8 and 12 days after infection. Among them, the patient may have high fever, runny nose, conjunctival injection and small white spots on the inside of the cheek. After these signs develop, a rash will appear, which begins on the face and progressively spreads to the rest of the body, according to the information established by PAHO.

Although most patients usually recover in about 15 days, this disease can cause serious complications, including blindness, encephalitis, severe diarrhea, ear infections, and pneumonia. However, the most intense symptoms may be preventable through a full vaccination schedule.

“It is easily prevented with a vaccine, the so-called ‘triple viral’, which has protection against measles, rubella and mumps. A fourth disease can even be added, generating the vaccine against 4 diseases: measles, rubella, mumps and chicken pox”, added the Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences.

Are there treatments for measles?

In the words of the Pan American Health Organization, there is no specific treatment for measles, but they establish that the vast majority of affected people recover in two or three weeks. Therefore, it is vital to be aware of the importance of having a complete vaccination schedule and preventing an infection of this type. Despite this, PAHO affirms that serious complications of measles can be avoided with supportive treatment that includes good nutrition and adequate fluid intake. Finally, Chiarella Ortigosa concluded that it is essential to observe and control the symptoms properly and with the supervision of a specialist if necessary.