Red Measles - WatsonsHealth

RED MEASLES

Red measles, or rubeola, is a viral infection of the respiratory tract. It is a contagious illness that can spread through contact with infected mucus and saliva. An infected individual can release the infection into the air after they cough or sneeze.

The measles virus can live on surfaces for a few hours. As the infected particles go in the air and settle on surfaces, anybody who is nearby can be infected.

Drinking from an infected person’s glass or sharing utensils with an infected person increases your risk of infection.

Measles is a leading cause of death in children. Contact a physician immediately when you suspect that you may have measles. If you have not been vaccinated with measles vaccine and if you encounter an infected individual, visit your doctor to acquire a measles vaccine within 72 hours of contact. This is to prevent infection. You may also prevent the disease with a dose of immunoglobulin taken within six days of contact.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of red measles commonly show up within 14 days of exposure to the virus. They include the following:

A skin rash is a classic sign of red measles. This rash is visible for seven days and is usually seen first within the first three to five days of exposure to the virus. It may develop on the head and slowly spread to different parts of the body.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will be analyzing your skin rash and check for signs and symptoms of the disease, such as fever, cough, sore throat and white spots in the mouth.

If the doctor is unable to make a diagnosis based on your symptoms, he or she may order a blood test to check for the measles virus.

 

Medications/Treatment

There is no treatment for red measles. The virus and its symptoms may soon disappear within two to three weeks. However, your physician may recommend:

  • Acetaminophen for fever and muscle aches
  • Rest to help increase your immune system resistance
  • Plenty of fluids, such as six to eight glasses of water a day
  • Humidifier to relieve coughing and sore throat
  • Vitamin A supplements

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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