Measles

Measles: What is the cause?

Measles morbillivirus (paramyxovirus)→ transmitted via droplets (nose, throat or mouth)

Measles: What is the epidemiology?

• Affects anyone at any age

• Caused by measles morbillivirus→ single stranded, RNA virus

• 7-21 days incubation period

• Infectious from 4 days before rash appears until 4 days after the rash appears

Measles: What are the symptoms?

• Prodromal symptoms (pyrexia and cough)

• Fever over 40 degrees

• Coryzal symptoms

• Conjunctivitis

• Koplik spots→ small grey discolourations in the mouth

• Rash appears behind ears then spreads to trunk and limbs over 3-4 days

  

Measles: What is the investigation?

• Oral fluid sample for:

• Measles RNA 1-3 days after rash onset

• Measles-specific IgM/IgG → 3-14 days after rash

Measles: What is the management?

• Analgesia

• Fluids

• Vitamin A

• Stay off school for at least 4 days after rash appears

• Stay away from pregnant women and immunocompromised people

Measles: How can it be prevented?

MMR vaccine