Measles

Measles

What is measles and why is it dangerous?

Measles is a highly contagious disease which is caused by a virus called Paramyxovirus (from genus Morbillivirus). This disease mostly affects the respiratory system of the children. The transmission of the virus is airborne and through direct contract with infected person that is why t spreads easily and rapidly.

There are numbers of complications on children who suffer from measles which includes: pneumonia, encephalitis, blindness, deafness, ear infection, diarrhea and dehydration.

Measles and its complications are severe illness that can cause death on the infected person.

Who are the people that can be infected with measles?

• Those who are not vaccinated against measles regardless of age, whether young or old.
• Those children who were vaccinated but not injected with boaster vaccine may still be infected as they may not necessarily develop enough protection against measles.
• Those who thought that they had already infected with measles because of like symptoms but actually those where other diseases like rashes which maybe mistaken for measles.

What are the most common signs and symptoms of measles?

An infected person or child with measles usually has blotchy rashes all over the body for 3 days or even more. Also, she/he has fever and any one or all of the following:

• Cough
• Runny nose
• Reddish eyes

How do you prevent measles?

Measles can be prevented through measles vaccination starting 9 months of age.

My child has already received vaccine against measles. Is she exempted from being infected with measles?
NO. The measles vaccine she gets again will increase her protection against measles.

My child had measles previously, is he exempted from being vaccinated again?

NO. There are many conditions that are mistaken as measles-like diseases. The vaccination will not harm a child and will even serve to increase his immunity against measles.

Is there any overdose, if my child receives this measles vaccine again?

NONE. What has been received by your child are Antibodies. These antibodies will live in the blood and will provide protection against the disease but it decreases as the child grows older. Please note that there is no vaccine overdose for the measles vaccine so it will not do any harm to your child. Because the measles vaccines are antibodies they are even known as to enhancer to the overall immunity against other diseases.

What are the common effects to my child after receiving the measles immunization?

Nothing so far but some children may experience slight fever which usually last for 1 to 2 days from day of vaccination.

When slight fever will occur, the best thing with you child is to give Paracetamol medication to be taken every four hours. To lower the temperature and avoid dehydration you must give you child plenty of fluids. Just continue the breastfeeding of you child (if you are on breastfeeding) and make sure the child gets enough sleep and rest to avoid stress.

Post vaccination notes

Please be reminded that all children who turn 9-11 months must receive one dose of the measles vaccine together with the vaccines against other diseases of childhood like polio, diphtheria, pertussis, etc.

You must report to the health centers / health workers is you suspect that you child is having measles to be properly attended.

And in return the health workers who receive reports of suspected measles must investigate the case/s for accurate statistics and avoid and/or prevent the spread of the disease in the early stage.