Online Desk :
Measles is an infectious disease caused by a virus that lives in the nose and throat. Measles can cause serious illness, hospitalization, and even death. In this case, the patient may develop problems such as diarrhea, ear infections, brain damage, hearing loss, and blindness. Pregnant women, infants, young children, and people with weakened immune systems are at highest risk of serious illness. There is no cure for measles. Measles is easily spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. About 9 out of 10 people who have not been vaccinated against measles will get measles if they come into contact with the virus. You can get measles if you are in the same air as someone who has measles, even up to two hours after that person has left the area. Measles can spread even before an infected person shows symptoms.
What are the symptoms of measles?
* High fever (101°F or higher, but can go as high as 104°F)
* Cough
* Runny nose
* Red, watery eyes
* Koplik spots (small white spots inside the mouth)
* A rash of red spots. Some spots are slightly raised. They usually start on the face or hairline and spread to the rest of the body.
What to do if you think you have measles
Contact your healthcare provider immediately and tell them about your symptoms so they can tell you what to do next. Do not go to the emergency department or hospital without the advice of your local health department or your doctor, as you could infect others.
What else you should do
* Consider wearing a mask to help prevent infecting others.
* Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and throw used tissues in the trash. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or the crook of your elbow instead of your hand.
* Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
* Do not share drinking or eating utensils.
* Disinfect frequently touched surfaces, doorknobs, tables, counters, and shared electronic devices.
Views: 4
