Measles
Kyra Kabulis 6A
What is the Measles?
Measles, also referred to as rubeola and morbilli, is a potentially serious, highly contagious viral infection which contains DNA and has lead to an estimated 164,000 annual deaths. It is caused by the virus paramyxovirus.
The Measles Viral Pathogen
Symptoms
- Rash of tiny red spots breaks out, beginning at the head and eventually covering the entire body (usually appears within 3-5 days of infection and may last 4-7 days)
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red eyes or even conjunctivitis (pink eye)
- Ear infection
- Diarrhea
How Can You Catch the Measles?
People who have the virus are contagious four days before the rash appears until four days after the rash disappears.
How is Measles cured?
- Lots of rest
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Limit (or eliminate) trans fats and refined foods
- Avoid coffee, tobacco and other stimulants
Drug/Medical Remedies
- Acetaminophen for the fever
- Antibiotics for eye infection and pneumonia
- Post-exposure vaccination- must be taken within 72 hours of infection, but only are necessary/helpful if no prior vaccinations had been done
- Immune serum globulin- injection of extra essential proteins and antibodies to help reduce severity of symptoms and pain, recommended for pregnant women, elderly people, infants, and other people with weakened immune systems.
There is no known "cure" for the virus itself, just ways to lessen the pain, symptoms and severity of the infection.
Works Cited
“Measles.” University of Maryland Medical Center. UMMC, n.d. Web. 10 Nov. 2013. <http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/measles>.
“Measles- Fact Sheet for Parents.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. N.p., 8 July 2013. Web. 8 Nov. 2013. <http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/measles/fs-parents.html>.
“Measles (Rubeola, Hard Measles, Red Measles).” New York Department of Health. New York, n.d. Web. 12 Nov. 2013. <http://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/measles/fact_sheet.htm>.
“Measles Virus.” Stanford University. Stanford University, n.d. Web. 1 Nov. 2013. <http://www.stanford.edu/group/virus/retro/2000/measles.html>.
“What Is Measles?” MedicineNet.com. MedicineNet, 1996. Web. 8 Nov. 2013. <http://www.medicinenet.com/measles_rubeola/article.htm#what_is_measles>.
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