Causes and Risk Factors of Measles

Measles is a highly contagious disease that can be life threatening. Measles is caused by a virus and is easily preventable with immunisation. Measles is an airborne disease caused by a virus, and it’s very contagious. Symptoms may develop about eight to 12 days after you’re exposed. Symptoms can last 10 to 14 days. Measles is also called rubeola, 10-day measles or red measles. It’s not the same as German measles, or rubella.

The symptoms of measles usually appear about 10 days after exposure to an infected person. The most characteristic symptom of measles is a blotchy red rash, but this is not usually the first symptom. Measles usually starts as a flu-like illness lasting for between 2 and 4 days with symptoms that include:

1.     Fever
2.     Tiredness
3.     Severe cough
4.     Red eyes (conjunctivitis)
5.     Runny nose
6.     White spots in the mouth (known as Koplik spots)

On days 3 to 7 of the illness, the rash appears. It is usually red and blotchy, but not itchy. A measles rash generally starts at the head and then spreads down to the rest of the body. It usually lasts 4 – 7 days. Measles rash has red, slightly raised spots and may be blotchy but not itchy.. What are the possible health complications from measles? Anyone can get measles: children under 5 years old and adults over 20 years old are more likely to suffer complications from measles.

1. Ear infections occur in about 1 in 10 children who catch measles. Permanent hearing loss is possible.
2. Diarrhea occurs in about 1 in 10 people who catch measles.
3. Pneumonia occurs in about 1 in 20 children who catch measles. Pneumonia is the most common cause of death from measles in young children.
4. Encephalitis (swelling of the brain) occurs in about 1 in 1,000 children who catch measles. Encephalitis can lead to convulsions, deafness or intellectual disabilities.
5. Death occurs in about 1 or 2 out of 1,000 children who catch measles.
6. Pregnant women who catch measles are at risk of premature birth or have a low-birth-weight baby.
7. People with compromised immune systems, such as from leukemia and HIV infection, may be especially at risk for measles complications.

If your child has complaints that lead to measles, immediately consult a Pediatrician. To make it easier when you want to make an appointment with a doctor,  make an online consultation appointment through the RSU Hermina Kemayoran website.

Don't forget to get your child's vaccinations at Hermina Kemayoran General Hospital, too!