CUNETA, Justine Joy D.

BSN III A01

Manila Tytana College

02/08/12 CA2

Measles (Tigdas)
Cause
Measles is a respiratory disease caused by a virus. The disease of measles and the virus that causes it share the same name. The disease is also called rubeola. Measles virus normally grows in the cells that line the back of the throat and lungs. Those who have had an active measles infection or who have been vaccinated against the measles have immunity to the disease.

Symptoms
Incubation Period: Symptoms usually begin 8 - 12 days after you are exposed to the virus. Symptoms may include:
Bloodshot eyes Cough Fever Light sensitivity (photophobia) Muscle pain Rash

Usually appears 3 - 5 days after the first signs of being sick May last 4 - 7 days Usually starts on the head and spreads to other areas, moving down the body

Rash may appear as flat, discolored areas (macules) and solid, red, raised areas (papules) that later join together

Itchy
Redness and irritation of the eyes (conjunctivitis)

Runny nose Sore throat

Tiny white spots inside the mouth (Koplik's spots)

CUNETA, Justine Joy D. BSN III A01

Manila Tytana College

02/08/12 CA2

Complications
Complications of measles infection may include:

Bronchitis Encephalitis (about 1 out of 1,000 measles cases) Ear infection (otitis media) Pneumonia

Transmission
The infection is spread by contact with droplets from the nose, mouth, or throat of an infected person. Sneezing and coughing can put contaminated droplets into the air. Measles spreads through the air by breathing, coughing or sneezing. It is so contagious that any child who is exposed to it and is not immune will probably get the disease. The virus lives in the mucus in the nose and throat of the infected person. When that person sneezes or coughs, droplets spray into the air. The droplets can get into other peoples noses or throats when they breathe or put their fingers in their mouth or nose after touching an infected surface. The virus can live on infected surfaces for up to 2 hours and spreads so easily that people who are not immune will probably get it when they come close to someone who is infected. Measles is a disease of humans; measles virus is not spread by any other animal species.

Signs and tests

Measles serology

Viral culture (rarely done)

Treatment
There is no specific treatment for the measles. The following may relieve symptoms:
Acetaminophen (Paracetamol)

Bed rest Humidified air Some children may need vitamin A supplements. Vitamin A reduces the risk of death and complications in children in less developed countries, where children may not be getting enough vitamins particularly vitamin A. People who don't get enough vitamin A are more likely to get infections, including measles. It is not clear whether children in more developed countries would benefit from supplements.

CUNETA, Justine Joy D. BSN III A01

Manila Tytana College

02/08/12 CA2

Prevention
Routine immunization is highly effective for preventing measles. People who are not immunized, or who have not received the full immunization are at high risk for catching the disease. Taking serum immune globulin 6 days after being exposed to the virus can reduce the risk of developing measles, or can make the disease less severe. DOH Program Iligtas sa Tigdas ang Pinas is a door-to-door Measles-Rubella (MR) immunization campaign vaccinating all children, 9 months to below 8 years old from April 4 May 4