Measles is a disease caused by a virus whose infection initially attacks the respiratory tract and is transmitted via droplets. Find out more about the causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention of measles.
Measles or measles is one of the most common diseases experienced by children. If not treated properly, this disease can be fatal. What are the causes, symptoms and treatment of measles? Check out the full information in this article.
Table of Contents
Causes of Measles
Measles is a disease caused by a viral infection of the genus paramyxovirus. The process of transmission of measles begins when a person inhales the droplets of the saliva of a measles patient. In addition, the measles virus can live and stick to objects, so when someone touches objects contaminated with the virus, they are at risk of contracting measles.
Measles Risk Factors
Measles is commonly experienced by toddlers. However, this disease can actually be experienced by anyone who is infected with the virus, especially people who have never had measles before and have not been vaccinated against measles. The following things increase the risk of measles:
- Take a trip abroad
Cases of measles are usually found in developing countries. Therefore, someone who travels to developing countries is at risk of contracting this disease.
- Vitamin A deficiency
Someone who is deficient in vitamin A intake is at high risk of getting measles with severe characteristics and complications.
Symptoms of Measles
Measles is characterized by general symptoms, such as runny nose, cough with phlegm, red eyes, rash, red spots, and fever. The following are other symptoms of measles that need to be detected early so that they can be treated appropriately:
- High fever.
- Aches and pains.
- Reddish eyes.
- Light sensitive eyes.
- Flu-like features, such as a stuffy nose, dry cough, and sore throat.
- Weak.
- Diarrhea.
- Throws up.
- No appetite.
- Not excited.
- Small grayish-white patches on the throat and mouth.
If you detect these symptoms in a child, contact the doctor for proper treatment.
Treatment of Measles
Measles is a disease that can be cured by self-care at home, so no specific medical action is needed. To help relieve the symptoms of measles, here are some ways that can be applied:
- Take paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce fever.
- Adequate body fluids by drinking water at least 8 glasses per day.
- Get enough sleep.
- Stay out of the sun if your eyes are sensitive to light.
- Make sure the light in the house or room is not dazzling.
- Take vitamin A according to the doctor’s advice
Measles Prevention
Measles can be prevented by vaccination. The vaccine is part of the MMR (Mumps, Measles, Rubella) vaccine. MMR vaccination is carried out twice, namely the first dose when the child is 15 months old and the second dose when the child is 5-6 years old or before entering elementary school. The MMR vaccine is an important effort to prevent measles, so it must be given to children.
