Health Advice An answer to your medical questions » Measles

Infant Measles

Kevin — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:04:31 +0000

The German measles virus is of particular note when it comes to infants both before and after birth. The German measles virus has been proven to be quite dangerous to a baby if the mother is infected before birthing the child. This infant German measle syndrome is commonly referred to as congenital rubella.

Rubella is another name for German measles. German measles are generally considered to be rather benign in most cases, but when a pregnant woman has the virus, it is very much a problem. Congenital rubella has been known to cause a number of devastating problems in infants.

Generally, there are no problems if the mother contracts the rubella virus after her 20th week of gestation. When the virus is contracted earlier in the gestation period, then serious problems can follow. The percentage of congenital rubella increases the earlier the virus is contracted. Those percentages can rise as high as forty percent or more in early gestation.

One of the many problems that congenital rubella can cause are eye problems. The corneas may appear white or clouded. This can be corrected sometimes by surgery. Other problems can include deafness, seizures, rash, and a smaller head size at birth. Severe problems can also develop long term such as delays in the babies development, and even mental retardation. These long term problems can be avoided, however, with proper vaccinations.

Every pregnant woman is now screened for congenital rubella, and the vast majority of these women have been vaccinated at a very young age. Rubella, or German measles are part of the vaccinations required to enter school in most countries. The vast majority of people are now immune to rubella and measles as well. Still, it is absolutely essential for expectant mothers to be very aware of any rubella threat. It is also vital that every mother know their own status as far as vaccinations.

Congenital rubella, or infant German measles, is certainly becoming more and more rare with the vaccinations coming into play. The rate of congenital rubella is rather high in some countries where the vaccine is either unavailable or not pursued diligently. It is vital that we ensure that every child and mother is protected against congenital rubella.

Measles Virus

Kevin — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:56:03 +0000

The measles virus is a highly contagious respiratory disease that is becoming more and more rare. What used to be a very common childhood disease, the measles virus has become largely eradicated due to consistent vaccines. Still, in many countries the measles virus persists. Even in the United States, where vaccinations are required of every child, occasional measles virus outbreaks occurs.

The measles virus starts off as an innocent seeming cold in most people. One will often get a runny nose, dry cough, and fever at the outset of the measles virus.

Over the course of a few days, the fever will often spike in excess of 104 degrees, and a blotchy, red or brown rash will appear around the hairline or ears.

The measles virus also is marked by the appearance of Koplik’s spots. These spots are very specific to the measles virus and they appear as red spots with white or blue looking centers. These spots usually appear in the mouth, and along the insides of the cheeks. The appearance of these spots always signal the presence of the measles virus.

Over a period of several days, the measles virus will start to run its course. The large blotches will spread down the body of the patient with many of the blotches running into one another. This will sometimes give the appearance that they are one large blotch.

The measles virus is also highly contagious to those that have not been vaccinated. The measles virus is transmitted via the air. This usually happens when the infected individual coughs or sneezes, but even breathing is a means by which the virus can be transmitted.

Once you have gotten the measles virus once, you are forever immune to future outbreaks. At the ages of 15 months and about five years of age, most every child gets vaccinated from the measles, as well as the mumps and chickenpox. These contagious viruses are no fun at all for children, but they are even more devastating to an adult. Fortunately, very few people get the measles virus now with modern medicines and vaccines.

Measles advice

Kevin — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:48:35 +0000

One of the most prominent diseases in history is a viral infection known as measles. Measles, also known as rubeola in medical circles, at one time was extremely common. Over the years measles has become quite rare due to consistent immunization plans. Measles is a viral infection that affects the respiratory tract, as well as the eyes and skin.

It is one of the most contagious diseases known, and can affect people of any age.

Measles symptoms will usually set in about 10 days after being exposed to the virus. These symptoms usually begin as a high fever, runny nose, sneezing, and a dry hacking cough. People with measles often will be highly sensitive to light, and have red, watery eyes. After a few days some small red spots with white centers may appear in the mouth and throat. These are called Koplik’s spots and they generally precede a raised rash that begins on the forehead. This rash will often spread over the entire body.

Measles usually last about 10 days if the child is healthy. The biggest problems with measles are often potential complications. A severe bout with measles can bring about bronchitis, pneumonia, strep throat, and even meningitis in extreme cases. Adults often have more problems with measles than children.

Even though there are highly effective immunizations for measles, there is still an occasional outbreak. If you suspect measles, make sure that you contact your doctor immediately. Identifying measles early in the virus is quite helpful to its treatment.

As a virus, measles must run its course. Treatment for measles is generally about keeping the patient rested, hydrated, and as comfortable as possible. Due to the extremely high likelihood of spreading measles, one should be considered contagious for at least seven to 10 days after the rash and fever subsides.

The best protection against measles is to ensure that every child is properly immunized. Usually doctors will give two measles vaccinations. One at about 15 months, and the other at about 5 years of age. The measles vaccination has certain considerations that must be taken. If the patient has any problems with a weakened immune system, complications can occur. The good thing about measles is that if you ever contract it, you will be immunized from measles for life.