Measles
About Measles
Measles, also called rubeola, is a highly contagious respiratory infection that is caused by a virus. It causes a total-
Body skin rash and flu-like symptoms, including fever, cough and runny nose. Although rare in the United States, 20
Million cases occur each year worldwide.
Measles as is caused by a virus, there is no specific medical treatment and the virus its course. But a
Child who is sick should be sure to get plenty of fluids and rest, and the spread of infection are kept up to date
other.
Signs and symptoms
While measles is probably best known for its full-body rash, the first symptoms of the infection are usually a hacking
Cough, runny nose, high fever, and red eyes. A characteristic feature of measles are Koplik's spots, small red spots with
blue-white centers that appear inside the mouth.
The measles rash typically has a red or reddish brown blotchy appearance, and first usually shows up on the forehead,
then spreads downward over the face, neck and body, then down to the arms and feet.
Measles is highly contagious - 90% of people who have not been vaccinated against measles will get it if they live in the
same household as an infected person. Measles is spread when someone comes into direct contact with infected droplets or
when someone with measles sneezes or coughs and spreads virus droplets through the air.
A person with measles is contagious 1-2 days before symptoms start until about 4 days after the rash appears.
Recent outbreaks
Measles is very rare in the United States. Because of widespread vaccination, the number of U.S. measles cases has declined
in the last 50 years. Before measles vaccine was available in the 1960s, more than 500,000 cases of measles
reported each year. From 2000 to 2007, only an average of 63 cases per year were reported.
However, in 2008 the United States saw an increase in measles cases and outbreaks (three or more linked cases), with 131
reported cases from January to July. More than 90% of those infected had not been vaccinated or whose vaccination status
was unknown.
The most important thing you can do to protect children against measles, have them vaccinated according to the schedule
prescribed by your doctor.
acterial and viral types
Many different types of bacteria, bacterial meningitis. In newborns, the most common causes are group B
Streptococci, Escherichia coli, and less frequently, Listeria monocytogenes. In older children, Streptococcus pneumoniae
(Pneumococcus) and Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus) are often the causes.
Other bacteria, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), can also cause the disease, but because of widespread childhood
Immunization, these cases are now rare.
Similarly, many different viruses cause viral meningitis, including enteroviruses (such as coxsackievirus and
Polio virus) and herpes virus.
Symptoms of meningitis
Meningitis Symptoms vary depending both on the age of the patient and the cause of the infection. Because the flu-like
Symptoms may include both types of meningitis, especially in the initial phase, and bacterial meningitis may
very serious, it is important to quickly diagnose an infection.
The first symptoms of bacterial or viral meningitis can come on quickly or surface water for several days after a child has had a
Cold and runny nose, diarrhea, vomiting, or other signs of infection. Common symptoms are:
Fever
Lethargy (decreased consciousness)
Excitability
Headaches
Photophobia (eye sensitivity to light)
stiff neck
Rashes
Seizures
Meningitis in infants
Children with meningitis can not these symptoms, and may just extremely irritable, lethargic, or have a fever.
It can be difficult to comfort, even if they took and shook.
Other symptoms of meningitis in infants may include:
Jaundice (a yellowish tint to the skin)
Rigidity of the body and neck (neck stiffness)
Fever or lower than normal temperature
poor diet
a weak suck
a shrill cry
bulging fontanelle (the soft spot on the top / front of the baby's skull)
Viral meningitis tends to cause flu-like symptoms such as fever and runny nose, and can be so mild that the disease is
diagnosed. Most cases of viral meningitis resolve completely within 7 to 10 days, without complications or need
Treatment.
Treatment
Because bacterial meningitis can be as serious, if you suspect your child has any form of meningitis, it is important
, See the doctor immediately.
If meningitis is suspected, the doctor will order laboratory tests to assist the diagnosis, probably including a
Lumbar puncture (spinal tap) to collect a sample of spinal fluid. This test shows no evidence of inflammation, and
whether a virus or bacteria causing the infection.
A child who has viral meningitis, can be admitted to the hospital, although some children are allowed to recover at home if they do not
too sick. Treatment, including rest is, fluids and over-the-counter painkillers, given to relieve the symptoms.
If bacterial meningitis is diagnosed - or even suspected - doctors intravenous (IV) antibiotics once begin
possible. Liquids can be given to replace the lost fever, sweating, vomiting and loss of appetite, and corticosteroids
can help reduce inflammation of the meninges, depending on the cause of the disease.
Possible complications
Complications of bacterial meningitis may require additional treatment. For example, could be given for anticonvulsants
Seizures. If a child develops shock or low blood pressure, additional infusions and certain medications can be given
Increase blood pressure. Some children require supplemental oxygen or mechanical ventilation, if you have difficulty
Breathing.
Some patients who have meningitis may require more follow-up. One of the common problems of
Bacterial meningitis is impaired hearing, and children who have had bacterial meningitis should have a hearing test after
their recovery.
The complications of bacterial meningitis can be severe and include neurological problems such as hearing loss, visual
Impairment, seizures, and learning disabilities. The heart, kidneys and adrenal glands may also be affected, depending
the cause of the infection. Although some children develop permanent neurological problems, most, to get the command prompt,
Diagnosis and treatment recover fully.
How does meningitis spread?
To distribute earnings of infections are contagious via tiny drops - Most cases of meningitis - both viral and bacterial
is infected fluid from the throat and nose of a human. The drops can be in the air when the person coughs,
laughs, sneezes or speaks. Then can infect others when people breathe in or touch the drops and then touch
their own noses or mouths.
Sharing food, drinking glasses, cutlery, tissues or towels can transfer any infection as well. Some infectious diseases
Organisms, by a person to spread the stool, and someone who is in contact with the chair - like kids in daycare
- Can pull together the infection.
Infections most often between people who spread in close contact, such as those who live together, or people who
exposed through kissing or sharing eating utensils. Casual contact at school or work with someone who has one of them
Infections usually do not transmit the pathogen.
Prevention
Routine immunization can go a long way toward preventing meningitis. The vaccines against Hib, measles, mumps, polio,
Meningococcal, pneumococcal and can protect against meningitis due to these microorganisms.
Doctors now recommend that children 11 years old meningococcal vaccine, with a booster shot at the age
16th The vaccine is quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine, or MCV4 called. Children who were not the vaccine and 11 are
Years old should also be immunized, especially if they go to school, school settings, storage or other
where they are going to live in close quarters with others.
The vaccine can also for children from 6 weeks to 10 years, certain high-risk medical devices have to be recommended
Problems, and for people who travel to countries where meningitis is common.
Many of the bacteria and viruses responsible for meningitis are fairly common, so good hygiene is an important way to
To prevent infection. Encourage children to wash their hands thoroughly and often, especially before eating and after using
the bath. Avoid close contact with someone who is obviously ill and not sharing food, drinks, or eating utensils is
can help stop the spread of germs as well.
In some cases, doctors prescribe antibiotics can to give everyone who is in close contact with the person who is ill, to help since
prevent additional infections.
When to call the doctor
Seek medical attention immediately if you suspect that your child has meningitis or symptoms such as vomiting, headache,
Lethargy or confusion, neck stiffness, rash, and fever. Infants who have fever, irritability, poor feeding and lethargy
should also be evaluated by a doctor immediately.
If your child has contact with someone, meningitis (for example in a daycare or a student) had
call your doctor whether preventive medication recommended.