RUBEOLA (MEASLES)

SYMPTOMS

The first symptoms will likely to appear within 7-14 days after getting infected.

The earliest symptoms of measles are:

• Feeling like having cold or flu
• High fever that lasts for 4-7 days
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Sore throat
• Eyes get red and runny
• A red or reddish-brown rash that forms and spreads down the body from head to foot after 3-5 days
• Tiny white bumps in your mouth (doctors call these Koplik spots)
• Rash that usually starts at the hairline and spreads to the neck, torso, limbs, feet, and hands.

DIAGNOSIS

You may experience the symptoms stated above and these may continue to worsen for about 10 to 12 days, along with a rash that usually starts at the hairline and that spreads to the neck, torso, limbs, feet, and hands. If you suspect that you have measles for the first time, immediately consult your health care provider and get prompt treatment.

TREATMENT

Getting the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine on the first three days after being exposed to the virus can prevent the disease. However, measles doesn’t have real treatment.

The best tips for individuals with measles virus are:

• Rest and give the body some time to recover
• Stay comfortable by drinking plenty of fluids and taking acetaminophen for fever.
• Aspirin is a big NO for children, because of the risk for a rare but serious condition called Reye’s syndrome.
• Stay away from work or school for at least 4 days after the measles rash first appears to reduce the risk of spreading the infection.
• Avoid contact with individuals who are more vulnerable to the infection, such as young children and pregnant women.

Measles have no specific treatment. Your health condition will improve after 7-10 days. Your health care provider will probably advise you to take things easy at home until you’re feeling better.