Measles

MODES OF SPREAD

Transmission occurs directly from person to person------

• By droplet infection and droplet nuclei from 4 days before onset of rash until 5 days there after
• Portal of entry is the respiratory tract
• Infection through conjunctiva

  SYMPTOMS

• Infected people will first develop a fever that may peak as high as 103 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit (39.4 to 40.6 degrees Celsius) and last for two to four days.
• The fever is usually followed by a cough, runny nose and conjunctivitis (pink eye).
• Tiny red spots with bluish-white centers on the inner lining of the cheek (kopliks spot) appear a day or two before appearance of rash
•  
• Characteristic skin rash of measles are typical, dusky-red, macular or macula papular typically appears about 14 days after exposure to the virus (or several days after the high fever) and lasts for five to six days.
• The rash begins behind the ears and rapidly spreads in a few hours over the face and neck and down the body
• Fever and rash disappear in another 3 to 4 days signaling the end of the disease

PREVENTION

• Immunization of the every child with measles vaccine in the 9th month (MMR vaccine) after birth