Measles, also known as morbilli, rubeola,
or red measles, is a highly
contagious infection caused by the measles virus. It is an airborne disease which spreads easily through the coughs and sneezes of those infected. It may also be spread through
contact with saliva or nasal secretions (Caserta, 2013). Nine out of every ten
people who are not immune who share living space with an infected person will
catch it. People are infectious to others from four days before to four days
after the start of the rash (Atkinson, 2011).
or red measles, is a highly
contagious infection caused by the measles virus. It is an airborne disease which spreads easily through the coughs and sneezes of those infected. It may also be spread through
contact with saliva or nasal secretions (Caserta, 2013). Nine out of every ten
people who are not immune who share living space with an infected person will
catch it. People are infectious to others from four days before to four days
after the start of the rash (Atkinson, 2011).
According
to Perry and Halsey (2007), measles vaccine is the best
public health tool for the prevention of the disease. But despite its extensive
use, however, measles cases continue to occur for a variety of reasons. In
2001, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that about 30 million cases
and over 700 000 deaths from measles occur annually in developing countries.
Most deaths follow complications such as pneumonia and diarrhoea, and are also
frequently associated with malnutrition. In addition, measles may result in
long-term health problems including blindness, deafness, chronic lung disease,
poor growth and recurrent infections
to Perry and Halsey (2007), measles vaccine is the best
public health tool for the prevention of the disease. But despite its extensive
use, however, measles cases continue to occur for a variety of reasons. In
2001, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that about 30 million cases
and over 700 000 deaths from measles occur annually in developing countries.
Most deaths follow complications such as pneumonia and diarrhoea, and are also
frequently associated with malnutrition. In addition, measles may result in
long-term health problems including blindness, deafness, chronic lung disease,
poor growth and recurrent infections
Initial
signs and symptoms typically include fever, often greater than 40 °C (104.0 °F),
cough, runny nose, and red eyes. Two or three days after the start of symptoms,
small white spots may form inside the mouth, known as Koplik’s spots. A red, flat rash which usually starts on the face
and then spreads to the rest of the body typically begins three to five days
after the start of symptoms. Symptoms usually develop 10–12 days after exposure
to an infected person and last 7–10 days. Complications may include diarrhoea, blindness, inflammation of the brain, and pneumonia among others (Fisher, Defres & Solomon, 2014).
signs and symptoms typically include fever, often greater than 40 °C (104.0 °F),
cough, runny nose, and red eyes. Two or three days after the start of symptoms,
small white spots may form inside the mouth, known as Koplik’s spots. A red, flat rash which usually starts on the face
and then spreads to the rest of the body typically begins three to five days
after the start of symptoms. Symptoms usually develop 10–12 days after exposure
to an infected person and last 7–10 days. Complications may include diarrhoea, blindness, inflammation of the brain, and pneumonia among others (Fisher, Defres & Solomon, 2014).
