Measles
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Photo Credit: CDC - The measles virus
Definition: Measles is sometimes called rubeola, and is a viral infection caused by the paramyxovirus. It is extremely contagious, and is transmitted through an infected person's cough or sneeze.

Measles is characterized by a red-brown rash the starts at the head but continues down the body. Although measles has a rash it is a respiratory infection.
Symptoms:
  • Cough
  • High fever
  • Red rash that is distinct to measles
  • Koplik’s spots which are found inside the mouth and are red with blueish centers
  • Runny nose
  • Irritated eyes
Children’s symptoms are less severe that adult symptoms
Top Five Countries Where Measles Disease is Prevelant: In 2003, the five countries with highest amount of reported cases are:
  1. China 71,879 population: 1,298,847,624
    2. Map of Top 5 Countries
  2. Madagascar 62, 233 population: 17,501,871
  3. Niger 54, 190 population: 11,360,538
  4. India 44,004 population: 1,065,070,607
  5. Uganda 29,429 population: 26,404,543
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Treatment: The best way to treat measles is with rest and care. Pain relievers such as Advil or Motrin can be given to decrease fever and pain.
Vaccine: Measles is prevented with the MMR, measles, mumps, rubella, vaccine. The vaccine contains all three viruses, but they live in a weakened state so they are unable to grow in the body. It is given around 12 to 15 months old and again at 4 to 6 years old. Adults should also receive the vaccination if they are 18 years or older and have not yet received it. Some problems occurring from the vaccine are fever, rash, swollen glands, and joint stiffness. The severe problems are very rare, but they are deafness, brain damage, and long-term seizures and comas It costs about $0.15 for one dose.
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What's New:

     On Friday March 4, 2005 the WHO and UNICEF announced that they will reduce the number of deaths caused by measles by 50% by the end of the year. Measles is one of the top vaccine-preventable disease killers.

     Measles is a big problem in Africa because it is a low income continent; so many do not get the vaccine that is needed, but death by measles has decreased by 46%.

     WHO and UNICEF have developed a strategy that will reduce death caused by measles. Their plan is to vaccinate at least 90% of every district so that every person up to 14 years has received the measles vaccine. Even through this program millions still die from measles due to malnutrition and a lack of immunizations, but UNICEF and WHO know that they can reach every un-immunized child.

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