Measles

  Measles is a debilitating, extremely infectious disease triggered by a virus. Major epidemics existed nearly every 2–3 years until the advent of measles vaccine and universal vaccination in 1963, and measles triggered an reported 2.6 million deaths per year. In 2018, more than 140 000 people died of measles – mostly children under 5 years of age, despite the availability of a safe and effective vaccine. Measles is caused by a virus in the family of paramyxoviruses, which is typically transmitted by close touch which air. The virus infects the respiratory system, and then travels all over the body. Measles is a chronic disease that is unlikely to exist in livestock. Most measles related deaths are caused by disease related complications. Serious risks are most frequent in children under 5 years of age, or people over 30 years of age. Blindness, encephalitis (an inflammation that induces brain swelling), extreme diarrhoea and associated vomiting, ear infections or acute respiratory infections such as pneumonia are the most significant risks. In poorly nourished young children , particularly those with inadequate vitamin A, or whose immune systems have been compromised by HIV / AIDS or other diseases, extreme measles is more possible. Serious risks from measles may be avoided by offering supportive care that guarantees proper diet, sufficient fluid consumption and dehydration control with the oral rehydration method prescribed by WHO. This treatment replacements for water and other vital elements missing by diarrhoea or vomiting. Antibiotics should be prescribed for treating eye and ear infections and pneumonia. Two doses of vitamin A supplements should be given to all children diagnosed with measles, given 24 hours apart. This treatment restores low levels of vitamin A even in well-nourished children during measles and can help prevent damage to the eyes and blindness.  

High Impact List of Articles

Relevant Topics in