Measles

Measles is caused by the Morbillivirus, which is a virus spread through the respiratory tract and conjunctiva. It spreads through the body via the lymphatic system and will also affect the skin.

The incubation period for measles is apporcimatly 7-12 days.

Stage 1

Characterized by the “3 C’s”:

1. Cough
2. Coryza
3. Conjunctivitis

These symptoms are often accompanied by fever, Koplik spots, photophobia, and malaise.

Stage 2

Fever rises, often exceeding 40C and a red rash appears behind the ears and face and begins spreading down to eventually cover the entire body.

Stage 3

Fever will return to normal, the rash begins to fade, leaving behind a ghost rash that eventually sheds.

• Pneumonia
• Encephalitis
• Otitis media

The illness begins with a high fever, dry cough, runny nose (coryza), and red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis). Small white spots with a bluish center, known as Koplik spots, may appear inside the mouth before the rash. A blotchy red maculopapular rash then develops, typically starting on the face and spreading downward over the body.

Diagnosis is usually clinical, based on the characteristic fever, the three C’s, Koplik spots, and the descending rash. It can be confirmed by detection of measles-specific IgM antibodies in serum or by viral RNA testing of respiratory or urine samples.

Measles temporarily suppresses the immune system, leaving sufferers more vulnerable to secondary bacterial infections such as pneumonia and otitis media. It is particularly dangerous in malnourished children and those with vitamin A deficiency or pre-existing immunodeficiency.