Measles - Could I get it?

A lot of us are worried about a recent outbreak of this not-so-always-worrisome disease in US. We heard about 70-odd infected cases in Ohio and 60-odd in California. No casualties have been reported yet. Nevertheless, CDC says this is the worst ever breakout of measles though it was essentially eradicated out of the United States. This all started with a group of unvaccinated Amish missionaries who traveled back to the US from Philippines after their work. There was a huge outbreak in Philippines where over 25,000 were affected and this group carried the virus back to the US.

What is this?

This is a virus that presents as a skin rash on the face three to five days after cold, sore throat, coughs and fever and, sometimes diarrhea. It travels down the body further. You will be contagious for five days after you get the rash. You may not have symptoms though you may carry the virus.

How does it spread?

It spreads from person to person by air. It can stay alive on any surface for two hours.

What are the tests?

Doctors diagnose it with examination and history. Koplik spots are seen. They are the tiny white spots with the redder background close to the teeth.

Can it be treated?

Treatment is simple and complete. The bigger threat is for someone who was never vaccinated against measles. If you are vaccinated with two doses, it protects you up to 97% of times. If you were already affected with measles you are immune for life and you would not have it again.

If you were never vaccinated against measles you should practice isolation and precaution if you know someone in the area affected with this virus. If you already were exposed to those individuals, you should better get vaccinated and reduce the odds of experiencing symptoms.

Your doctor would just advice rest and few common medicines. They are all that required to completely treat the virus. Dehydration is common if one has diarrhea. So having plenty of fluids help prevent complications.

Complications

The complications are potentially serious especially in children, pregnant, elderly and malnourished. There is some evidence that it affects the Vitmin A deficient individuals miserably, so Vitamin A supplementation is advised as well. Chances of death increase with co-occurrence of pneumonia and encephalitis.