Measles: Definition, causes, signs/symptoms and treatment.

Measles[Rubeola]Measles: Definition, causes, signs/symptoms and treatment. All you need to know about measles.

In this post, we are going to learn about measles disease definition, causes, sign/symptoms, incubation period, treatment, and prevention. This post includes free quizzes on this topic .that will be provided to you after reading the topic. On this topic, we also consider the question pattern and techniques that will improve your knowledge. We add a special. Important points according to staff nurse exam that helps you for better results in competitive exams.

Introduction: Measles is aslo called rubeola. It an airborne disease. It causes by the measles virus. Mostly found in children and also elders.

Definition: it is a viral disease caused by measles virus that mostly found in children which are characterized by fever, coughing, sneezing and running nose.

Causative organism: paramyxo group (RNA virus).

[ family name: paramyxoviridae
Genus name: morbillivirus
Species name: measles virus]

Mode of transmission:
1. Direct contact
2. Droplet infection ( sneezing, talking)
3. Fomites etc.

Incubation period: 10-14 days

Sign/symptoms:
1. Fever ( more than 104°f or 40°c
It is the first sign of measles.)
2. Lethargy
3. Coryza( inflammation of mucous membrane)
4. Koplik's spots ( appears on buccal of pharyngeal mucosa. Greyish, white spots with reddish areolae)

Complications of measles:

1. Otitis media ( most common complications)
2. Meningoencephalitis ( serious complication)
3. Laryngitis
4. Gastroenteritis
5. Bronchitis
6. Encephalitis
7. Endocarditis
8. ConjucConjunct

Medical management:

1. Isolation
2. Antiviral agents, eg: Acyclovir
3. Symptomatic treatment

Nursing management:
1. Isolation
2. Prevention through immunization
3. Encourage for adequate fluid intake
4. Bed rest in the humid and warm room
5. Provide oral and personal hygiene care

Prevention:
> Measles vaccine
1. It is a live vaccine
2. Dose: 0.5 ml
3. Route: subconscious
4. Site: Right upper arm

> First does in 9-12 months
> Second dose in 16- 24 months