Staying Safe from Measles - Get Your Children MMR Vaccine

What is the Measles Virus?

Measles virus (MeV) infection leads to a disease known as measles. The virus's genetic material is single-stranded ribonucleic acid (RNA).

How the Measles Virus Spread?

This virus spreads quickly through tiny droplets when infected people cough, sneeze, or talk. These droplets can stay in the air for several hours, making it easy for others to breathe in the virus and become infected. Measles can also spread through contact with infected secretions, but it doesn't last long on clothes or furniture.

When Your Child Gets Measles Vaccination?

The CDC: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that "Children should get two doses of MMR vaccine, starting with the first dose at 12 to 15 months of age and the second dose at 4 through 6 years of age. Teens and adults should also be up to date on their MMR vaccination." 

Common Symptoms of Measles Virus?

• Fever with skin rashes and flat joint blotches (spots/marks).
• Dry cough
• Runny nose
• Sore throat
• Swollen and red eyes (conjunctivitis)
• The presence of Koplik's spots are tiny white spots with bluish-white centers with a red background. They are mainly present inside the mouth and inner linings of the cheek.

Who Gets the Infections?

Measles can affect anyone who hasn't been vaccinated against it. It's most common in children, especially those under 5. However, regardless of age, anyone without the measles vaccination is at risk. People with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, and infants who are too young to be vaccinated are particularly vulnerable.

How Long Does it Take the Virus to Cause Infection?

Upon getting exposed to the Measles virus, vaccinated children stay safe; however, unvaccinated will acquire the disease. The time for the pathogenesis of the disease is described below:

a. Infection and Incubation:

• Whether contracted through the respiratory route or through direct contact, the measles virus spreads in the body over the first 10 to 14 days after Infection.
• No signs or symptoms are present during this period.

b. Nonspecific Signs and Symptoms:

• Measles typically starts with a mild to moderate fever, persistent dry cough, runny nose, inflamed eyes, and a sore throat.
• This initial illness may last for 2 to 3 days.

c. Acute Illness and Rash:

• The rash has small red spots, some slightly raised, giving the skin a splotchy red appearance.
• It begins on the face and then spreads down the arms, chest, back, thighs, lower legs, and feet.
• The fever often rises sharply during this stage, reaching temperatures as high as 104 to 105.8 F (40 to 41 C).

d. Recovery:

• The measles rash typically lasts about seven days.
• It gradually fades, starting from the face and ending on the thighs and feet.
• As other symptoms subside, the cough and skin peeling may persist for about ten days after the rash disappears.

How to Stay Safe from Measles

The good news is that measles is preventable through vaccination. A safe and effective vaccine has been available for years and has prevented millions of deaths worldwide. It's usually given with vaccines for diseases like measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR vaccine). Getting vaccinated protects you and helps prevent the spread of measles in your community.

Apart from vaccination, there are other ways to stay safe from measles:

1. Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after coughing, sneezing, or being in public places. If your child has symptoms of measles, please take public health measures to save others.
2. Avoid close contact with sick children: If someone you know has measles or is showing symptoms like coughing and sneezing, keep your child away from them to avoid getting infected.
3. Cover your mouth and nose: Please teach your children about public health. When they cough or sneeze, they should cover their mouth and nose with a tissue or elbow to prevent the spread of droplets. However, this is a problem for infants and children.
4. Stay informed: Parents must stay updated on measles outbreaks in their area and follow any guidelines or recommendations from healthcare authorities.

Remember, measles can be a serious illness with potentially severe complications, but taking the necessary precautions can protect yourself and others from this preventable disease. Vaccination is the best way to stay safe and ensure a healthier future for everyone.