Measles and Rubella

Measles (medical term: rubeola) is an infection caused by the measles virus, which enters the body through the respiratory tract. On entering the body, the virus starts multiplying and produces thousands of viruses. After a few days it causes the illness. The period between the entry of the infective agent and the development of an illness is referred to as the incubation period. The incubation period for measles is about 2 weeks. The illness starts with fever, which can be very high - sometimes 40 to 41°C (104 to 106° F). Usually there are aches and pains, vomiting, loss of appetite, and cough; sometimes, loose stools (occasionally with blood and mucus). The eyes are often somewhat red and tearing. The inside of the cheeks and throat also maybe reddened. On about the 3th or 5th day of the fever, a rash appears, first on the face and then on the chest, trunk, and limbs. Usually, about a day after the rash, the fever comes down, and the patient feels better. The rash usually clears up in 3 or 4 days.

The patient is infectious from about 2 days before the fever to the time of disappearance of the rash. This period is called the infectious or infective period. During this period the patient can convey the infection to someone else, by scattering thee virus during coughing, talking, laughing, or even when breathing out. While most patients get well within a week there are some especially malnourished children, who develop serious complications such as pneumonia, diarrhea and encephalitis. Apart from the greater susceptibility to complications, the malnourished children become more malnourished. Some develop a bacterial infection of the eyes, which, if not properly treated, can lead to blindness; or middle ear infections, which can lead to deafness. If the chest infection is not properly treated, a chronic lung infection called bronchiectasis may develop. Another dangerous repercussion is the reactivation of healed tuberculosis of the lungs. Yet another serious but rare complication is a chronic incurable disorder of the brain - subacute sclerosing pan encephalitis (SSPE), which may occur about 7 years later. Fortunately the measles vaccine given on 9 months of age has brought down the incidence of this disease dramatically.

Treatment
There is no special drug that kills the measles virus, in the way that antibiotics destroy bacteria. The treatment which is directed towards the relief of symptoms, maintenance of proper nourishment, and the prevention of complications, include the, treatment of fever, a nourishing diet and sufficient fluids; there is invariably a poor appetite, and perhaps vomiting and loose stools; small amounts of nourishing fluids (milk, soups, or any other palatable drink) should be given at frequent intervals; if there is diarrhea, carry out the treatment to prevent dehydration. Also a cough syrup or steam inhalation with coriander is helpful for the cough. Eyes should be protected from the glare of lights. Consult a doctor without delay if the patient has symptoms such as persistent fever and cough, fast breathing or difficulty in breathing, fits, persistent vomiting and diarrhea, or any other abnormal changes.

German Measles or Rubella is an infection caused by the rubella virus, through the respiratory tract. The incubation period is about 2-3 weeks. There is mild fever for 2 or 3 days; a rash like that of measles, but less intense and lasting perhaps only a day or two; usually enlargement of the lymph glands (to about the size of an orange seed) at the back of the head and neck. Complications are extremely rare. We need not have taken much notice of this illness, if not for the fact that if a pregnant mother gets this infection, during the first three months of pregnancy there is a risk that her baby might have certain defects. These include: heart disease (due to abnormal development of the chambers of the heart), cataract of the eyes, deafness, and faulty development of the brain resulting in mental retardation; this is called the rubella syndrome. It is given as MMR, a combined vaccine for Mumps, Measles and Rubella at one year and three years of age.