Measles

Brief History of Measles

Measles is a contagious disease that is caused by a virus. Before the measles vaccination was invented, major epidemics occurred every 2-3 years. It is estimated that around 2.6 million people died of measles each year.

Measles were first discovered in the 9th century by a Persian doctor, this doctor was the first one to write accounts about measles. Later in 1757, Francis Home, a Scottish Physician, demonstrated that measles was caused by an infectious agent in the blood of patients.

What is Measles?

Measles are also called rubeola. Measles can affect people at any age in their life. People who have a weaker immune system than others have a higher risk of being infected by measles. Measles are spread through the air by droplets that were produced from coughing or sneezing.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Measles are:

  • fever

  • feeling unwell

  • tiredness

  • runny nose

  • dry cough

  • conjunctivitis

  • red rash

Symptoms of measles start 10-12 days after catching the virus and it can last for 14 days. Depending what part of body of the body is infected by the virus, measles could lead to a more serious disease and other symptoms will develop.

Vaccines

There are 2 vaccines that can help prevent measles. MMR vaccine can protect children and adults from measles, mumps and rubella. MMRV vaccine protects children from measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox.

One dose of of MMR or MMRV vaccination, provides the person with 93% protection if the person is exposed to the virus.

Advice

If you have measles, to ensure that you do not spread it to other people you can:

  • avoid going to work or school for at least 4 days once you develop measles rash

  • avoid contact with people who have weak immune systems, such as young children and pregnant woman

However, the best way to prevent you from getting measles is by getting vaccinated.