Measles (rubeola, measles) is a highly contagious viral infection, characterized by fever, cough, conjunctivitis (inflammation of the tissue lining of the eye / conjunctiva) and skin rash. The disease is caused by a viral infection
2. Causes
Measles is caused by a paramyxovirus (measles virus)
3. Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms begin to appear within 7-14 days after infection, namely:
- hot body
- sore throat
- runny nose (Coryza)
- cough
- Koplik spots
- muscle pain
- red eyes (conjuctivitis)
2-4 days later, small white spots appear inside the mouth (Koplik spots). Rash (redness of the skin) which feels a bit itchy appear 3-5 days after the onset of the above symptoms
4. Result
bacterial infections: pneumonia and middle ear infections
Sometimes occurs thrombocytopenia (decreased platelet count), so people easy bruising and easy bleeding
Encephalitis (brain infection) occurs in 1 of 1.000 to 2000 cases.
5. Modes of Transmission
Transmission occurs through saliva splashes from the nose, mouth and throat with measles (water borne disease). The incubation period is 10-14 days before symptoms appear
6. Prevention
Measles vaccine.
7. Treatment
Patients should be advised to rest for at least 10 days and eat nutritious foods that increase the body's immunity.
