Harrisandbaker.com – Measles is a highly contagious respiratory tract infection. This disease is characterized by skin rashes all over the body and flu-like symptoms.
Measles, also known as rubeola, is caused by a virus. Generally, symptoms appear about one to two weeks after the body is exposed to the virus. This disease most often occurs in children and can be fatal. However, this disease can be prevented by getting a vaccine.
Measles Risk Factors
Generally, this condition is more common in children under the age of five. However, anyone can be infected with the virus. A person is also more susceptible to getting measles if he has never been exposed to the disease or has not been vaccinated.
The following are some of the risk factors for measles:
1. Not getting vaccinated
You are at higher risk of developing the disease if you have not received the measles vaccine.
2. Travel abroad
If you travel to developing countries, where this condition is common, you are at higher risk of developing the disease.
3. Deficiency of vitamin A
People who consume less intake of vitamin A are also at risk of experiencing severe symptoms and complications.
Causes of Measles
Measles is an infection caused by a virus from the paramyxovirus family. Transmission generally occurs through splashes of saliva secreted by an infected person when he sneezes and coughs. Anyone who inhales the splash of saliva will contract this disease.
The virus itself can survive for several hours and easily attaches itself to objects. If someone touches an object that has been contaminated with the measles virus, it is very likely that he will be infected.
Symptoms of Measles
Early symptoms of measles infection are usually a cough with phlegm, runny nose, high fever and red eyes. Children may also have Koplik’s spots (small red spots with a blue-white center) in the mouth before the rash starts.
The rash will then appear 3–5 days after the initial symptoms started. The order of appearance of these spots is from behind the ears, around the head, then to the neck. Eventually, the rash will spread all over the body.
The following are the symptoms, namely:
The eyes are red and sensitive to light.
Resembles cold symptoms such as dry cough, runny nose, and sore throat.
Weak and tired.
High fever.
Aches and pains.
Not excited and lost appetite.
Diarrhea or/and vomiting.
Small white patches on the mouth and throat.
For more details, you can read about the symptoms of measles in this article: Mothers, Recognize the 14 Early Symptoms of Measles in Children.