Measles

Description

Measles or viral disease with typical rash. Extremely contagious viral infection, known as measles. Infection is being spread through sneezing and coughing. It causes fever, cough, conjunctivitis and rash. Immunization in the childhood has greatly decreased number of cases. The disease is still leading cause of death of the children worldwide. Symptoms start 7 to 14 days after being exposed to the virus.

Symptoms

Symptoms usually start with fever (above 39.5C) followed by cough, nasal congestion and conjunctivitis. Other symptoms include throat pain, pain in the muscles, white spots in the mouth (Koplik’s spots), photophobia (sensitivity to light) and rash. Rash appears in form of red spots, begins on the face and spreads to the belly, arms and legs.

Overview

History of disease is being taken and physical examination is being done. Additional tests include: viral culture (rarely) and serology on measles.

Additional analyses

Viral culture (rarely) and serology on measles

Specialists

General Practice, Infectology, Internal Medicine

Therapy

Treatment includes rest, taking lot of fluids and paracetamol. At the moment there is no antiviral drug for measles.