Measles is one of the most dangerous and deadly diseases in the world. Included in the number 5 child killer disease in the world. In Indonesia alone, measles is included in the 10 countries with the most incidents.

Causes of Measles

Measles is caused by the Paramyxovirus (RNA) virus, genus Morbilivirus, family Paramyxoviridae. The measles virus can be transmitted by droplet and humans are the only host.

Symptoms of Measles in Children

The measles virus that invades the human body can last several weeks. Symptoms can appear 7-21 days after a person is exposed to the virus. The incubation period for this virus is 10-12 days. It should be noted that children with measles became highly infectious 4 days before and 4 days after the rash appeared.

Symptoms of measles include:

    High fever
    Cough
    Colds (coryza)
    Red and watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
    Small white patches in the mouth (Koplik's spots)
    Rash on the body

Complications of Measles

Measles that is not handled and treated properly will cause complications. Here are some complications of measles that can attack any part of the body, namely:

    The digestive system can cause diarrhea, dehydration, nausea, and vomiting
    The respiratory system can cause pneumonia, pneumonitis, ear infections and croup
    The visual system can cause keratoconjunctivitis and in severe cases, blindness can occur
    Nervous system can cause meningitis, encephalitis, Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE)
    In pregnancy it can cause premature birth, low birth weight, miscarriage

How to Prevent Measles

Measles can be prevented by vaccination. Two types of vaccines that can be used today are the MR and MMR vaccines. Apart from vaccinating, things that must be done are preventing contact with measles sufferers and teaching children to live a healthy and clean lifestyle.

If Friends of Hermina experience the symptoms of measles above, you should consult a pediatrician at RSU Hermina Pandanaran to get the right treatment.