Measles
Being highly contagious, acute infection , measles has been recognised over thousands of years ago. It is caused by a virus called rubella virus.Recovery from measles is quite simple, but serious complications of the respiratory and central nervous system may occur. It is spread by direct contact with droplets from respiratory secretions of infected persons or even sharing person items of the infected person.
symptoms
- malaise, fever, loss of appetite,
- conjunctivitis, cough and cold lasting several days
- bluish-grey spots in the oral cavity (Koplik's spots)
- diffuse skin rash beginning on the face and proceeding down the body to involve the extremities
- Bacterial super-infection can also cause middle ear infection or pneumonia in severe cases.
- Encephalitis may be acute or chronic, after measles infection
- Transient hepatitis can also occur.
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red reashes on a measles victim's hand
Severe measles can occur in persons who have impaired immune system such as those, being treated for malignancy or those with AIDS. Malnourished children in developing countrieslike kenya , arabia etc may also develop severe measles. In pregnant women, however, measles (rubeola) unlike German measles (rubella) does not cause any congenital abnomalities.
