What we need to know about measles
Has measles been eradicated? How contagious is it?
Measles is an infectious disease caused by the same virus. It is highly contagious through the air with droplets of saliva but also after contact with contaminated objects and contact with the mouth, nose, and eyes.
Measles sufferers transmit the disease 4 days before and 4 days after the appearance of the rash.
Unfortunately, the disease has not been eradicated, although there is an effective vaccine. In our country, a percentage is imported (tourism, immigrants, seasonal workers, etc.), but it is mainly related to resurgences in population groups (gypsies, minorities) who, according to evidence and practice, are not vaccinated.
What are the most common symptoms?
High fever, red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis), a strong irritating cough, a runny nose and a rash that starts from the head and spreads centrifugally towards the extremities. An important diagnostic element is the whitish spots on the oral mucosa of the cheeks opposite the premolars and molars (Kopik spots) appearing 2-3 days before the rash.
What are the main complications of the disease?
The most important complications of the disease concern the central nervous system (encephalitis) and the lungs in the form of pneumonia. Children under 5 years of age and adults over 20 years of age are at increased risk. Also, pregnant women and immunosuppressed people.
How is the disease diagnosed?
From the clinical picture and isolation of the virus from the patient’s saliva by polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).
Is there prevention of the disease?
There is a vaccine available with live attenuated viruses that simultaneously covers rubella and mumps. It is given in two doses at the ages of 12-15 months and 4-6 years.
The 2nd dose aims to immunize those who present a primary failure in the 1st dose of the vaccine. However, vaccination can be completed in a short period of time, as long as there is a 28-day interval between the 2 doses. In the event of a measles epidemic, it can be administered as early as 6 months of age, but this dose does not count towards completing the vaccination regimen.
In case of contact with a patient, what measures can we take?
The person who came into contact should be vaccinated as soon as possible, within 72 hours, or be given immunoglobulin (derived from plasma of blood donors who have had measles) within 6 days.
For hospitalized patients with measles or its complications, it is recommended that they be given vitamin A supplements and are in isolation.
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