Recently, there have been headlines filled with the outbreak of measles across the US and the world, confirming infected cases over the past month. These outbreaks occur yearly and are triggered in areas with unvaccinated populations where childhood vaccination coverage is low. But, shockingly, the measles virus is always the first pathogen to resurface in low-immunised areas.
Measles virus is a transmissible virus caused by Paramyxovirus and can be acquired by inhaling respiratory droplets of an infected person expelled from coughing or sneezing. Respiratory droplets settle on the surface or are suspended in the air and carry viruses when they come in contact with the disinfected person by inhaling or touching any object several hours later.
What is Measles?
Measles(rubeola) is a highly infectious viral disease caused by Measles virus. It can occur at any age but mainly affects children and unvaccinated individuals. This can be severe and, in some cases, can lead to hospitalisation and even death. There is no medical treatment for this virus; you must let the virus run its course. The MMR vaccine is the best prevention against measles outbreaks.
Symptoms of measles
- High Fever – Often above 104°F (40°C), starts 3–5 days before the rash.
- Cough – Persistent, dry cough.
- Runny Nose (Coryza) – Similar to a cold, with nasal congestion and sneezing.
- Red, Watery Eyes (Conjunctivitis) – Causes light sensitivity and eye discomfort.
- Koplik Spots – Tiny white spots with a red halo inside the mouth, usually on the inner cheeks, appearing 1–2 days before the rash.
- Fatigue and Body Aches – General weakness and muscle pain.
- Loss of Appetite – Reduced desire to eat, especially in children.
- Rash (Maculopapular) – Starts on the face and behind the ears, spreading down the body; lasts about a week.
- Skin Peeling or Darkening – The skin may flake or temporarily darken after the rash fades.
- Complications in Severe Cases – This can lead to pneumonia, ear infections, encephalitis (brain swelling), and even death in vulnerable individuals.
How Measles Spread?
Measles is a highly contagious disease that spreads in various ways, including:
Airborne transmission: The virus spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes, releasing respiratory droplets.
Direct contact: Touching a contaminated surface or object with a virus and touching your face, mouth, or eyes can lead to infection.
Close contact: Being near an infected person increases the risk of catching the virus.
Crowded places: Measles spreads quickly in highly overcrowded places like gatherings, schools and public transport.
Highly Contagious: A person with measles can spread the virus four days before and four days after the rash appears.
Longevity: Its virus can stay in the air for up to two hours, increasing the risk of transmission.
Unvaccinated individuals: Unvaccinated individuals have a high chance of catching and spreading the disease.
Weakened Immune System: People with weak immune systems are more susceptible to infection.
Where Does Measles Originate?
It is believed that measles originated from the Rinderpest virus, a disease found in cattle. Scientific studies have shown that the measles virus originated from the rinderpest virus around 1,000 years ago when humans started domesticating animals.
It is believed that in the early 9th century, a Persian physician, Rhazes, wrote about this distinct this virus. However, genetic studies have shown that the virus existed before 500 AD.
Measles was widespread as it grew and urbanised in the human population, allowing the virus to spread quickly through contact. It is one of the most contagious diseases, but vaccination has significantly reduced the impact of the disease worldwide.
Who Is At Risk?
Any non-vaccinated or vaccinated individual without immunity is at risk of developing a virus. Pregnant women and children are at a high risk of getting affected by this virus, leading to severe measles complications.
It is prevalent in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. The majority of measles deaths is high in these countries as compared to others because of low per capita income or weak health infrastructure facing difficulties in the immunization of children and people.
Countries affected by natural calamities or disasters often experience damage to their health infrastructure and services, leading to disruptions in routine immunization. High-density populations and poor living conditions in residential camps increase the risk of infection. Children who are malnourished or have weak immune systems are more vulnerable to the virus and face a higher risk of death from measles.
How Do Measles Start?
Measles starts in stages after exposure to the virus. Here is the detailed information on how it starts spreading:
Virus Entry: This virus enters the body through the eyes, nose, mouth or by inhaling droplets of an infected person.
Incubation Period ( 7-14 Days): The virus multiplies inside the body without showing the symptoms.
Early Symptoms( Prodromal Symptoms): Initial symptoms of this virus include cough, runny nose, fever, and watery eyes.
Kopliks’s Spots (2-3 Days After Virus Symptoms): Small white spots appear inside the mouth, indicating the virus.
Rash Developments(3-5 Days After Symptoms Begin): Rashes start from the mouth and spread downwards to the whole body.
High Fever: Fever may increase to 104F (40c) as the rash spreads.
Peak of Illness: This symptoms worsen and last about a week before improvement.
Types Of Measles
It can be categorized into different types based on the severity of the virus. Here are the main types :
Classic Measles (Rubeola): This is the most common type of this virus caused by the virus, resulting in fever, rash, cough, and other flu-like symptoms.
Modified Measles: The second type of this virus is very mild, occurring in individuals with partial immunity, like those who are vaccinated but do not develop complete protection.
A Typical Measles: A more severe type occurs in people vaccinated with inactivated Measles vaccine before 1968 and later exposed to the live virus. Symptoms include high fever, rashes on hands and feet, and pneumonia.
Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (Sspe): This is a scarce measle virus that results in neurological deterioration after infection.
German Measles (Rubella): Caused by the Rubella virus, it is milder than measles but very vicious for pregnant women as it can cause birth defects.
How Do You Confirm Measles?
Here are some points through which you can confirm measles:
Clinical Symptoms: High fever,runny nose,cough, watery eyes, and small white spots inside the mouth are common symptoms of measles.
Skin Rashes: Red rashes start appearing on the face 3-5 days after being infected by this virus and spreading to the rest of the body.
Medical History: Doctors follow up for recent exposure to a measles patient or travelling to the infected areas.
Blood Test: A blood check helps detect measles-specific IgM antibodies, usually appearing within a few days after the rash.
Pcr (Polymerase Chain Reaction): This test helps detect the virus’s genetic material from urine, throat swabs, or blood samples in confirming infection.
Urine Test: Measles virus can be detected from urine samples using molecular testing.
Measles immunisation status: keep a proper record of your vaccination so it would be easy for doctors to go through your reports.
Are Measles And Rubella The Same?
Measles and Rubella are both viral infections but are different diseases. The disease rashes and fever are standard but are caused by different viruses. This virus causes measles, while Rubella, also known as German measles, is caused by the rubella virus. Both diseases have a standard spreading method through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It is highly severe and contagious, resulting in high fever, runny nose, cough, and watery eyes, followed by red rashes spreading across the body. Measles can lead to serious complications like pneumonia, encephalitis, and even death, targeting especially children and individuals with weak immune systems. Rubella is milder as compared to this virus. Its symptoms include low fever, sore throat, and pink rashes spreading across the face and whole body. Rubella isn’t very dangerous to people but very threatening to pregnant women. If a pregnant woman contracts rubella, then it can lead to CRS (congenital rubella syndrome)resulting in severe birth defects like deafness, heart problems, and developmental issues in the baby. The MMR(measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine can prevent both measles and rubella. This vaccine is very effective in protecting against disease and its outbreak. By ensuring widespread vaccination, communities can lower the risk of measles and rubella, protecting the most vulnerable individuals, including pregnant women, young children, and people with weakened immune systems.
Are Measles And Chickenpox The Same?
Measles and chickenpox are different from each other. They are both viral infections that cause rashes, but different viruses cause them and have distinct symptoms.
It is caused by the measles virus known as Paramyxovirus and is highly infectious. Symptoms like high fever, runny nose, watery eyes, and rashes that start from the face and spread to the rest of the body. It can cause pneumonia and encephalitis also.
Chickenpox is generated by the Varicella-Zoster Virus(VZV) and is highly contagious. It starts with mild fever, fatigue, and itchy rashes that become fluid blisters, which later scab over.
Chickenpox Vaccination
Varicella vaccine is provided for chickenpox vaccination and is highly effective in preventing a contagious disease called varicella-zoster virus or chickenpox. The vaccine is given in two doses:
- First dose: 12-15 months of age
- Second dose: 4-6 years of age
Chickenpox vaccination provides a shield against complications and spread of the virus. Vaccination is recommended in two doses at least 4-8 weeks apart for older children or adults who have never suffered from chicken pox. The vaccine has only mild effects, such as mild rashes or soreness. Vaccination is highly recommended for pregnant women, healthcare coworkers and people with low immunity as they are at high risk of getting affected by chickenpox.
Can Measles Occur After Vaccination?
Recurring this after vaccination is possible, but it is very rare. The measles vaccine is highly effective, usually as part of the MMR(measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine. One dose provides 93% immunization, and the second provides 97% protection against measles. In rare cases, vaccinated people can get measles due to:
- Incomplete Immunity: Individuals cannot develop complete immunity after two doses.
- Weakened Immune System: A low immune system due to medical conditions or other factors may not respond well to vaccines.
- High Exposure: In areas with breakouts, even vaccinated individuals exposed to the virus increase the risk of contamination.
If a person gets measles after vaccination, the symptoms are milder and have fewer complications than unvaccinated individuals. This is why getting both doses is essential to protect against measles.
Measles Vaccination Schedule
Prevention: Measles vaccination is very effective in the prevention of measles infection and its complication
MMR Vaccine: Commonly given as a part of the MMR( measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine.
Dosage: For complete protection, two-dose are mainly recommended;
- First Dose – 9-12 months (varies by country)
- Second Dose – 15-18 months or 4-6 years.
Catch-Up Vaccine – Adults, older children, and adolescents who have missed the doses should have immunized themselves with the dose at least once.
Effectiveness – first dose provides about 93% protection, and combined doses lessen the risk of measles virus by around 97%.
Safe And Effective – Measles vaccination is safe and effective with mild fever or rashes in some cases.
Global Recommendation – The World Health Iorganisation (WHO) suggested measles vaccination as a part of routine immunization.
Life-Saving: Measles vaccination helps prevent ailments like pneumonia and encephalitis.
Herd Immunity: High vaccination coverage lowers the spreading of the measles virus, protecting even those who are not vaccinated.
Additional vaccines: Some countries offer MMRV vaccination ( Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Varicella)
Eradication Goal: Proper and widespread vaccination has significantly reduced measles cases worldwide.
Get vaccinated as scheduled and protect yourself, your family, and the community from measles.
Age Limit Of Measles Vaccine?
The measles vaccine, typically known as MMR(measles,mumps and,rubella), is given in two doses:
For Children
- First Dose: given at 9-12 months(commonly at 12-15 months).
- Second Dose: GIVEN AT 15-18 months or between 4 to 6 years of age.
For adults, measles vaccine MMR is necessary if they haven’t been vaccinated or lack immunity. However, it is not recommended for :
- Pregnant women
- Infants under 6 months
- People suffering from any disease or have any existing medical condition.
Travellers, healthcare workers, or people at high risk of exposure are advised to take a booster dose to protect against the virus.
What not to eat during measles?
- Spicy and oily foods
- Processed and junk food
- Sugary food
- Dairy products
- Avoid acidic fruits
- Food hard to digest
- Caffeinated beverages
How can measles be prevented?
- Vaccination – The MMR(measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine is highly effective against the measles virus. Two doses provide upto 97% of measles immunisation.
- Routine Immunization: Ensure children are vaccinated with both doses per the recommended schedule.
- Catch-Up Vaccination: Unvaccinated individuals should get vaccinated to prevent infection.
Avoid contact with infected individuals : Keep your distance from the people who are showing symptoms of measles, such as runny nose, watery eyes, or red rashes on the face.
Good Hygiene Practices: Follow a good hygiene routine, such as washing your hands, covering your mouth when sneezing or coughing, and avoiding touching your face.
Isolation Of Infected Individuals: Infected persons should stay home to prevent the spreading of the virus.
Strengthening Immune System: A healthy diet, proper sleep, and staying hydrated enhance immunity.
More Awareness: Making people aware of the importance of the measles vaccine and early symptoms helps in prevention.
Travel Precautions: Travelers should be fully vaccinated before getting into measles outbreak areas.
Can measles be treated at home?
Measles is a transmissible disease that resolves independently but requires supportive care and a home environment.
- Rest and hydration are very necessary for recovery.
- Fever can be managed with regular fever tablets.
- Steam inhalation helps in relieving cough and congestion.
- Vitamin A supplements are recommended to reduce the severity of the virus.
- Preventing secondary infections is crucial for individuals with weakened immune systems.
- Dim lightening helps with light sensitivity.
- Good hygiene and isolation help prevent the spread of measles.
- Seek medical support for severe conditions like pneumonia or encephalitis.
- Measles vaccination is the best way to prevent measles.
Overview
Measles is a highly transmissible infection caused by a paramyxovirus. It spreads through respiratory droplets by an infectious person when he sneezes or coughs. Starts with mild fever, runny nose, and watery eyes, followed by red rashes on the face to spread to the whole body. Unvaccinated individuals and children are at a higher risk of getting affected by the measles virus resulting in severe conditions like pneumonia and encephalitis. There is no permanent solution for this virus, but proper care, a supportive environment, and vitamin A supplements increase the recovery rate of the infected person. Getting measles immunization with the MMR vaccine is the most effective and easy way to prevent this deadly virus. get more info you can visit us.
