Measles is the highly contagious disease which is the leading reason behind the death of several children around the world.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), in the year 2014, the death toll caused by measles and its relative troubles reached 114,900 globally which is a ghastly reality. Decrease this toll by keeping the children miles away from risks of this jolting disease by learning about every aspect of it.

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What is Measles?

Measles is a contagious infection which is also called rubeola or morbilli. This infection is a respiratory infection which caused by contact with infected mucus and saliva.

Measles also falls under the category of airborne diseases which are the one that can be spread through pathogens in the air.

This infection generally acquires children of age around 5 years which makes it one of the most fatal and troublesome infections among all. The rubeola infection began to spread from North America and today it has roots in the whole world. There is two type of measles:

• Measles: This is the major form which is caused by the rubeola virus.
• Rubella or German measles: This is caused by the rubella virus.

What are the Symptoms of Measles?

The initial stage of this disease is asymptomatic which lasts for 1-2 weeks generally, this duration is termed as the incubation period. The virus keeps on spreading its growth underneath the infected body which is contagious on exposure through a sneeze or a cough. Later, when the incubation period ends there are many visible symptoms that must not be ignored.

• Fever
• A dry cough
• A runny nose
• A sore throat
• Inflamed eyes
• Koplik’s spots
• Body aches
• White spots inside the mouth

It has also been observed that in around 30% cases symptoms of blindness, diarrhea, sensitivity to light, and pneumonia have been detected as well. Immediate help from the doctor is recommended in case of detecting the symptoms.

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What are the Causes of Measles?

Generally, rubeola is a disease which spreads steadily yet in stages. Firstly, it is an incubation period where there are no such symptoms then after 10-14 person can detect symptoms which are detectable as wells as unknown. In its last stage, this infection becomes fatal and high contagious with fever and red rash.

The main cause is the rubeola virus which is transmitted in tiny droplets when an infected person coughs, breathes, or sneezes through mucus or throat. There are three major risk factors behind getting infected by measles that are:

• Weak immunity system
• Vitamin A deficiency
• Physical contact or closure with the infected person

How to Prevent Measles?

It is a blessing that there is an effective prevention measure available to avoid and eliminate rubeola from its root. Due to these measures, it has become possible to reduce the increasing rate of this disease. To avoid measles:

1. Maintain Distance: It is always better to take reasonable precaution steps rather than acting when disaster has arrived so in order to avoid rubeola avoid contact with the person who is been infected by it. Always, remember this infection is more contagious but spread the same way as viral fever.

2. Vaccination: There are vaccinations available for the people born after 1957 as they are at risk of catching this virus. The first dose of vaccination is mainly given within 12-14 months of birth and then the second dose is given at the age of 4-6 years.

What are the Treatment Measures of Measles?

There are no such particular treatment procedure or medication provided for measles. The treatment depends on what complication this virus is producing for examples fever, hepatitis, photosensitivity and more. Although, the doctor would suggest keeping the infected person hydrated, away from smoke and direct sunlight.

Conclusion:

The measles develops through throat and mucus and it settles there as well, therefore it begins to spread all over the body steadily. Vaccination has the capability of eliminating this growth and keep you immune from the disease so never make the baby skip it.

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