Measles is a highly contagious viral disease caused by the virus measles. The common name for measles is rubeola and it is common in children across the globe. While the viral disease has a vaccine, hundreds of thousands die each year from measles or its complications. Most cases of measles in the US originate outside but there have been outbreaks, especially where the vaccination rate is low. After infection, measles may spread to other parts of the body and tissues. The virus is spread through respiratory secretions including from coughs and sneezes (CDC np). The virus has existed for centuries and is thought to have spread from animals to humans. Therefore, measles is a viral disease that mostly affects children worldwide but its lethality has been addressed through aggressive vaccination.
Measles had infected humans for decades before a vaccine was developed. It is held that the virus migrated from animals such as cows and rats into humans. Before its vaccine was developed, measles was a major driver of mortality and morbidity with millions of cases documented each year. However, a vaccine for measles was developed in the 1960s and the World Health Organization (WHO) organized a global vaccination campaign in the 1980s (CDC np). The campaign was effective as the number of cases registered each year drastically reduced with the US being declared free of the viral disease at the start of the 21st century. CDC estimates that at least 134,000 people die each year due to infections with measles (CDC). Thus, despite vaccination, a significant number of people die each year due to the virus.
Measles takes several days before its symptoms manifest to the point of needing medical care. Specifically, the incubation period for the virus is 10-14 days and in some cases 7-21 days (CDC np). Some of the early symptoms of the disease include fever and cough where temperatures can rise to over 105 Fahrenheit (CDC np). The secondary symptoms include a runny nose and watery eyes which can be confused for flu. After the dissipation of initial symptoms, a rash normally emerges that is characterized by flat, red spots that are usually itchy (CDC np). The rash lasts for five to six days but other symptoms such as diarrhea and pneumonia especially in young people and children may emerge.
There are no specific medications for measle treatment as it is usually allowed to run its course. However, some form of relief is offered to people who contract it in the form of relieving symptoms. For example, medication may be provided to prevent fever, flu, and other complications (CDC np). Some of the common medications provided for the management of symptoms include acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever and discomfort, bed rest, and fluids to prevent dehydration (CDC np). In addition, patients with secondary bacterial infections may be prescribed antibiotics. Vaccination is the best way to prevent being infected by the virus and children and adults who are not vaccinated are advised to get the jab. Vaccines protect from infection and contribute to herd immunity that protects those who cannot be vaccinated such as infants and pregnant women.
An interesting and “wow” fact about measles is that it causes a phenomenon called immune amnesia. Immune amnesia describes a situation where cells of an individual’s immune system forget how to fight some infections that they could previously fight. Immune amnesia occurs because the measles virus attacks the memory cells of the immune system leading to them forgetting how to fight specific pathogens (Butler np). Therefore, people who get measles ultimately become vulnerable to other infections years afterward. In conclusion, despite being a highly contagious viral infection, the spread of measles and its lethality have been contained through rigorous vaccination.
Works Cited
Butler, Colin. “New Research Suggests Being Vaccinated against Measles Protects from a Wide Array of Illnesses.” CBC News, CBC/Radio Canada, Web.
CDC. “Measles (Rubeola).” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Web.