According to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases, there has been an alarming increase in laboratory confirmed measles cases in this country since September 2014. By 31 January 2015, 62 cases had been reported in 2014, and 4 in 2015. What is of concern is that there were only 6 cases reported in South Africa during 2013.
Measles is the most serious of the common childhood illnesses. This respiratory disease is highly contagious and caused by a virus. Infants younger than one year, malnourished children and immunocompromised children are at risk for serious and even fatal complications.
Symptoms of measles:
While measles is best known for its full-body rash, the first symptoms of the infection are usually a hacking cough, runny nose, high fever and red eyes. These flu-like symptoms will leave you feeling tired and with an aversion to bright light. The measles rash typically has a red or reddish brown, blotchy appearance, and first usually shows up on the forehead, then spreads downward over the face, neck and body, then down to the arms and feet.
What causes measles?
This virus is spread when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or shares food or drinks. The measles virus is airborne. This means that you can become infected by being near someone who has the virus even if that person does not directly cough or sneeze on you.
You can spread the virus to others from 4 days before the rash, until 4 days after the rash appeared. The measles virus is often spread when people first get sick, before they know they have it. The symptoms are usually worse in adults than in children.
It usually takes about 7 to 18 days to get symptoms after you have been around someone who has measles. This is called the incubation period.
How is it treated?
Although measles is a serious illness, it usually follows a predictable course, so the majority of children can be managed at home, with some supervision from a healthcare professional. Any complications will require a visit to your doctor or clinic. Some complications, such as severe croup, pneumonia, diarrhoea or encephalitis, are emergencies that require admission to hospital.
Paracetamol can be given to reduce fever.
The World Health Organization recommends that children younger than 1 year should be given Vitamin A supplements to reduce the risk of complications. Consult with your doctor about the appropriate dose of Vitamin A. If you have been exposed to the virus and you have not had the vaccine, you may be able to prevent the infection by getting an Immunoglobulin (IG) shot, or the measles vaccine as soon as possible. Anyone who has measles should avoid public places until at least 4 days after the rash first appeared. Most people will get better within 2 weeks.
Who must be vaccinated and when?
All children should be vaccinated at a young age. The vaccine is given at 9 months and repeated at 18 months of age. Older children, adolescents and adults may also be vaccinated during outbreaks of measles, particularly if they have a high risk of complications.
Who should not be vaccinated?
• Pregnant women.
• People with severely compromised immune systems (including leukaemia, lymphoma and certain other types of cancer).
• People receiving chemotherapy, radiation therapy or high dose corticosteroids.
• People living with HIV.
Can the vaccine cause Autism or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?
Studies have found NO link between the measles vaccine and Autism or ADHD.
Contact your GP as soon as possible if you suspect that you or your child may have measles. It is best to phone before your visit as your GP surgery may need to make arrangements to reduce the risk of spreading the infection to others.
The information on Fedhealth Medical Aid is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.
Source: www.webmd.com, www.health24.com, kidshealth.org,www.nhs.uk, www.hst.org.za, www.nicd.ac.za
DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.
