DR. WALKER

About Measles and The Vaccine

Measles, also known as rubeola, is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects children but can also occur in adults. It is caused by the measles virus, which is transmitted through respiratory droplets when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes. The virus can remain airborne or on surfaces for up to 2 hours. Measles can be a serious illness, particularly in young children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.

What Are the Symptoms of Measles?

Symptoms of measles typically develop around 8-10 days after exposure or contact with someone with the disease. Some of the most common symptoms of measles are:

• High Fever
• Dry cough
• Inflamed eyes
• Runny nose
• Red rash

What is the Cause of Measles?

Measles is caused by a virus called morbillivirus. It is an airborne disease and can spread fast upon inhalation of suspended air particles by someone experiencing measles. Measles can also spread through:

• Physical contact with an infected person
• Touching surfaces containing the virus and touching your nose, eye, or mouth with the same hand.
• Kissing someone with the disease
• From mother to child during pregnancy, delivery, or nursing.

Who is at Risk of Measles?

• Healthcare and childcare workers
• Immunocompromised individuals

What are the Complications of Measles?

• Diarrhea
• Pneumonia
• Encephalitis
• Pregnancy Complications
• Ear infections

Can Measles be Prevented?

Measles can be prevented through, practicing good hygiene and taking precautions when traveling to areas with known outbreaks can help prevent the spread of measles.

This includes:

Washing hands frequently with soap and water
Covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
Avoiding close contact with people who are sick
Saying home from work or school if you are sick

What are complications of Measles vaccines?

The measles vaccine may cause some serious complications. The measles vaccine can cause mild side effects such as soreness or redness at the injection site, fever, and rash.

The measles vaccine can cause more serious side effects, such as:
Allergic reactions: Some people may have a severe allergic reaction to the vaccine, although this is extremely rare.

Febrile seizures: A febrile seizure is a convulsion that can occur when a child has a high fever. Febrile seizures can occur after vaccination, but they are extremely rare and typically not serious.

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP): ITP is a rare disorder in which the immune system attacks the body's platelets, which help with blood clotting. ITP can occur after vaccination, but it is extremely rare.

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM): This is a neurological condition that can occur after a viral infection or vaccination, including the measles vaccine. (ADEM) is an autoimmune disease that affects the brain and spinal cord. In ADEM, the body's immune system attacks the myelin sheath, which is the protective covering around nerve fibers. This damages the nerves and causes inflammation, which can lead to a range of neurological symptoms.
The symptoms of ADEM can vary widely depending on the location and severity of the inflammation, but may include:

- Headache
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Confusion
- Seizures
- Weakness or paralysis in the limbs
- Vision problems
- Difficulty with coordination or balance

ADEM is usually a temporary condition, and many people recover fully with appropriate treatment. However, in some cases, ADEM can cause permanent neurological damage or disability.

How is Measles Diagnosed?

Measles is diagnosed by:

• Physical Examination
• Blood tests
• Culture of secretions from your nose and throat
• Urine analysis

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