What are measles?
Measles is a highly contagious, febrile viral infection. This disease is caused by the measles viruses of the same name. Most of the time, the disease starts with symptoms that resemble the flu. In the course of the disease, the characteristic measles rash develops. The measles disease is particularly common in children under the age of five.
How is measles transmitted?
The measles viruses are spread all over the world and do not have a seasonal peak. Transmission occurs through droplet infection , which means that people who are infected spread the saliva droplets containing the virus when they sneeze, cough and speak. Other, still healthy people then inhale these and become infected with the viruses. Once the viruses have made contact with the mucous membranes in the respiratory tract, they can infect the person and others. The viruses can survive in normal ambient air for up to two hours. But measles can also be passed on through a smear infection. This happens, for example, when an affected person spreads the infectious secretion from the throat and nose on surfaces such as door handles, cutlery or similar.
How long is the incubation period for measles and how long is one contagious?
In general, eight to ten days pass from infection with measles to the onset of the first symptoms. The typical skin rash usually begins about two weeks after infection. An infected person is still contagious about three to five days before the outbreak of the rash and about four days afterwards. The highest risk of infection is shortly before the rash breaks out.
What are the symptoms of measles?
Infection with measles usually progresses through the following two stages:
- The precursor stage and the
- Main stage.
The precursor stage:
The first stage of the disease begins with a slight fever, dry cough, sore throat and runny nose. The face usually looks very bloated. Other possible symptoms include headaches, abdominal pain, fatigue, diarrhoea and constipation. It is not uncommon for symptoms such as photophobia and conjunctivitis to occur. Furthermore, the typical Koplik spots appear on the mucous membrane of the mouth in this early phase. These are small red spots with a white centre. They appear more frequently between the third and fourth day of the disease. They mainly occur on the cheek mucosa and in the area of the molars. From the third day after the infection, the entire pharyngeal mucosa and oral mucosa redden . The fever rises very enormously. The preliminary stage persists for about three to four days. After that, the fever also goes down again at first.
The main stage:
In this stage, the fever will again rise very steeply. The characteristic rash of measles forms. This rash is characterised by three to six millimetre large, bright red spots that merge into each other . They usually form behind the ears at first and then spread over the entire body. Only the soles of the feet and the palms of the hands are spared. Within a few days, these become darker and turn brownish-purple. After seven days at the latest, these spots fade again, in exactly the same order as they appeared. During this time, scaling of the skin may occur. But this is also a sign that the disease is healing. It can take up to two weeks before a person feels fully recovered. The immune system has to fight the after-effects for a much longer time. You are much more susceptible to other infections for up to six weeks.
How is measles diagnosed?
The symptoms of the disease, especially the typical skin rash, already give a doctor important clues about measles. However, there are diseases such as ringworm, rubella or scarlet fever, which cause similar symptoms. Therefore, a laboratory test should be carried out to rule out any confusion. As a rule, is searched for certain antibodies in the blood in order to obtain reliable evidence .
How is measles treated?
There is no special treatment for measles. Only the symptoms are relieved and the healing process is supported. This is mainly done by resting the patient in bed and taking it easy on the body. If the eyes of the infected person are very sensitive to light, it is advisable to darken the rooms. It is also recommended that you drink enough fluids, especially if you have a high fever and sweat a lot, in order to prevent dehydration . For fever and pain, medicines such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can be taken. Cough expectorants and cough blockers can be prescribed for severe coughs.
How can you prevent measles?
The best way to protect yourself from measles is to get vaccinated when you are a child. But even if you have had measles once, you can prevent this disease to a certain extent. This is because the body builds up certain antibodies during the infection, so that you will not get it again.
Is there an obligation to report measles?
Since 2001, there has been an obligation to report measles, at least in Germany. This should help to recognise frequent infections in a region more quickly and to be able to initiate special precautionary measures. For example, a community facility such as a day-care centre must then be closed.
Anyone who comes down with measles must isolate themselves. This means the following:
- No community facility may be visited . This does not only include daycare centres, but also all other types of educational institutions or care facilities for children and adults.
- Family members and fellow residents must be adequately protected. Therefore, they are also not allowed to enter the facilities.
- After the symptoms have subsided, but at the earliest after five days after the onset of the rash, one is no longer considered infectious and thus no longer needs to be isolated .