Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus from the Paramyxoviridae family. Although it is usually seen in childhood, it can occur in individuals of all ages who are unvaccinated or inadequately vaccinated. Although its incidence has decreased with widespread vaccination worldwide, it continues to cause serious public health problems in areas where vaccination is inadequate.

Symptoms

Once the measles virus enters the body, it usually has an incubation period of 7 to 14 days . After this period, symptoms begin to appear. In the initial phase of the disease, the following symptoms are usually seen:

• High fever: Fever usually rises suddenly and can reach up to 40°C.
• Cough: A dry, persistent cough is common.
• Runny nose and sneezing: Flu-like symptoms are observed.
• Redness and watering of the eyes (conjunctivitis): The eyes may become sensitive to light.
• Koplik spots: These small, white spots, which are characteristic of the disease, usually appear inside the mouth, on the inside of the cheeks, opposite the premolars. They usually appear a few days before the rash and are an important finding in diagnosing measles.

Following these symptoms, the most characteristic sign of the disease, the measles rash , appears. The rash usually starts behind the ear or at the hairline, spreads to the face, and then progresses to the trunk and limbs. It has a reddish-brown, blotchy, and raised structure. The rashes tend to merge and disappear, leaving dark spots on the skin.

Treatment

There is no specific antiviral treatment for measles. Treatment generally focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing complications. The following can help ease the course of the disease:

• Rest: Bed rest helps the body fight the virus.
• Drink plenty of fluids: It is important to replace fluids lost due to fever and sweating. Water, fruit juice and herbal teas can be consumed.
• Fever reducers: Medicines such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can be used to control fever. Aspirin is not recommended in children due to the risk of Reye syndrome.
• Eye care: To reduce eye discomfort, compresses can be made with warm, damp cloths. If there is sensitivity to light, dim environments should be preferred.
• Humidifier: Moist air can be helpful for easing coughs and throat irritation.

Measles can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia, otitis media, diarrhea, and, rarely, brain inflammation (encephalitis), especially in young children and those with weakened immune systems. Therefore, if a person with measles develops worsening symptoms or new symptoms, medical attention should be sought immediately.

Protection

The most effective method of protection against measles virus is vaccination . The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is very effective in protecting against measles. The World Health Organization recommends two doses of the MMR vaccine. Vaccination both protects the individual from the disease and prevents the spread of the disease by increasing the immunity level in the community.

This article contains general information about measles. It is important to always consult a healthcare professional about medical conditions and treatment options.