Brilio.net - Measles is often considered trivial by some people. However, measles can cause serious complications, even death if not treated properly. Therefore, understanding the symptoms, causes, and how to prevent it is very important to protect yourself and those closest to you from the threat of this disease.
Measles has been an enemy throughout the world since the 1960s. Meanwhile, the measles vaccine was discovered in 1963. Before there was a measles vaccine, this disease had caused mass death with a death toll of 2.6 million people. From the who.int page, in 2022 it is estimated that 136,000 people will die from measles.
The majority of measles cases occur in children. Because of this, measles vaccination is one of the crucial things that must be done from infancy. As protection against measles, MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccination is mandatory. This effort must be accompanied by maintaining personal and environmental cleanliness, as well as avoiding direct contact with measles sufferers.
Brilio.net summarized from various sources, Thursday (6/6) measles along with the causes, symptoms and treatment methods that you must know.
What is measles?
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Measles is a viral disease that spreads very easily. This disease infects through coughing, breathing or sneezing. This can happen and cause complications or even death. The infection caused by measles does not stop in the respiratory system, but spreads throughout the body.
Causes of measles.
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Measles is caused by morbillivirus which is spread in the air. This virus can be spread if there are measles sufferers in that place. When the virus is inhaled, it will transmit measles. The risks that can transmit measles are:
1. When kissing someone with measles.
2. Various foods and drinks with measles sufferers.
3. Touching an object containing the virus and then touching your mouth, eyes or nose.
4. Physical touch with the sufferer such as holding hands including shaking hands or hugs.
5. Mother-to-child transmission can start from pregnancy, childbirth, including breastfeeding.
People who have not received the vaccine are the most susceptible to contracting measles. From my.cleverlandclinic.org, when 10 people gather in one room and there are measles sufferers, 9 of them will catch measles. Vaccines are the best way to minimize measles transmission.
Meanwhile, cases of measles in pregnant women will put the baby at risk of being underweight and being born prematurely. The risk of death for children under 5 years and people aged over 30 years will be higher. The deaths that occur are mostly caused by complications accompanying the disease, such as:
1. Encephalitis (brain infection)
2. Ear infections
3. Blindness
4. Severe diarrhea
5. Dehydration
6. Pneumonia and other respiratory problems
Symptoms of measles.
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When infected, symptoms usually appear on the eighth to 12th day after exposure. In fact, some cases show measles symptoms after 21 days of exposure to the virus.
The initial symptoms of measles on the fourth to seventh day look like a cold, namely:
1. Cough
2. Red and watery eyes
3. Runny nose with fluid coming out
4. White spots begin to appear on the cheeks.
Next, a rash will appear on the sufferer's face and neck, which then spreads to the hands and feet. The rash that usually occurs will last for 5 to 6 days and eventually fade.
How to treat measles.
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1. Home care
Home care is very important in the treatment of measles. Patients should get plenty of rest and drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Apart from that, it is important to maintain personal hygiene and the surrounding environment so as not to transmit the virus to other people. Paracetamol or ibuprofen can be given to reduce fever and reduce pain. A humidifier or steam can help relieve coughs and dry throats.
2. Nutrition and supplements
Providing balanced nutritious food is highly recommended to strengthen the immune system. In addition, giving vitamin A supplements can help reduce the severity of symptoms and prevent serious complications. Vitamin A is usually given in high doses for two consecutive days, especially in children who are prone to deficiencies of this vitamin.
3. Medical supervision
Although measles can be treated at home, medical supervision is still important, especially if signs of complications such as pneumonia, ear infections, or severe diarrhea appear. If the patient experiences symptoms that get worse or do not show improvement after a few days, immediately consult a doctor for further treatment.
Prevention
Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles. The measles vaccine is usually given in two doses, namely at 12-15 months of age and 4-6 years of age. This vaccine is very effective in providing immunity against measles and has been proven to significantly reduce the incidence of measles throughout the world.
(Intern/Robiul Adil Robani)