Research Paper On Measles

Measles, Pediatric

Measles is a contagious respiratory illness that causes a red rash to appear on the skin. Measles can be very serious, especially in children who are younger than five years of age.
CAUSES

This condition is caused by a virus called rubeola. It can spread from one person to another through droplets released into the air when a person with the condition talks, coughs, or sneezes. Children can get this condition by breathing in these droplets or by touching a surface where the infected droplets fell and then touching their mouth or nose. Infected air droplets are contagious for two hours.
RISK FACTORS

Children can get this condition if they:

Are older than six months.

Have not had the condition before.

Have not had the
measles vaccine.

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of this condition include:

Fever.

White spots inside the mouth (Koplik spots).

Red, runny eyes (conjunctivitis) that may be extra sensitive to light.

Sneezing or coughing.

A sore throat.

A red rash that starts on the face and spreads to the body.

Symptoms usually begin 8–10 days after coming into contact with the virus. The rash is the last symptom to develop and lasts 3–5 days. In rare cases, there is no rash.
DIAGNOSIS

This condition may be diagnosed based on your child's symptoms, a physical exam, blood tests, and a throat swab.
TREATMENT

This condition goes away on its own, usually within two weeks of symptoms starting. Treatment aims to relieve symptoms and prevent complications from happening. Treatment may include:

Rest.

A dose of vitamin A.

Medicines.

Using a humidifier.

HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Have your child rest.

Make sure your child drinks enough fluid to keep his or her urine clear or pale yellow.

Keep the lights low if bright lights bother your child.

Keep a humidifier in your child’s room, if possible. This can help relieve your child’s cough.

Give over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your child's health care provider.
Do not give your child aspirin because of the association with Reye syndrome.

Keep all follow-up visits as told by your child's health care provider. This is important.

Keep your child away from others until four days after the rash appears. This helps prevent others from getting measles.

Be aware that measles cases are often reported to a public health agency. You may be contacted by a public health department and asked questions about how your child got infected.

PREVENTION

Measles can be prevented with vaccines. Children who have had measles before cannot get it again and do not need a vaccine. Babies younger than six months usually do not need a vaccine because they have immunity from their mothers. Children who are exposed to measles and did not receive a vaccine or have not had measles before may be able to get a vaccine or antibody shot within 6 days of exposure.
SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL CARE IF:

Your child has ear pain or drainage.

Your child has a headache.

Your child is breathing rapidly or strangely.

Your child has chest pain.

Your child has shortness of
breath.

Your child is confused.

Your child has a seizure.

Your child has nausea or vomiting.

Your child’s symptoms do not go away in two weeks.

Your child has persistent symptoms.

Your child has symptoms of another illness.

Have your child rest.T Keep your child away from others until 4 days after the rash appears.T Seek immediate medical care if your child has shortness of breath.T Measles cannot be prevented.