Please be aware of the symptoms of measles
and visit your doctor at the earliest possible time if you are unwell.
Measles spread very easily and can be caught by breathing in droplets from an
infected person when they cough or sneeze. Always practice good hygiene
and take note of following precautionary measures:
§ Isolation.
Measles is highly
contagious from about four (4) days before to four (4) days after the rashes
develop. Those infected are strongly advised not to return immediately to
activities involving interaction with people during this period.
§ Vaccinate.
The measles, mumps
and rubella vaccine (MMR) is the best way to protect against measles.
§ Wash
your hands.
Clean your hands
frequently with soap and hot water or use an alcohol-based hand rub with at
least 60 percent alcohol.
§ Wear a
surgical mask.
When in the same
room with a person infected with measles, cover your mouth and nose with a
surgical mask.
§ Disinfect surfaces.
Use a household
disinfectant to clean any surface that may have been contaminated with sweat,
saliva, mucus, vomit, stool or urine. Wear disposable gloves while
cleaning and dispose of the gloves when done.
FAQs:
What is
measles?
Measles is a
"highly infectious" viral illness caused by infection with the
rubella virus. It can lead to serious complications and can even be fatal.
How can
people be infected?
The virus spreads
when infected people cough and sneeze - it is contained in the tiny droplets.
People become infected by breathing in the droplets or by touching surfaces
that have been contaminated with such droplets and then touching their noses or
mouths.
Who are
most likely to be infected?
Measles is mostly
common among children between the ages of 1-4; however, anyone who has not had
it before or has not been vaccinated can also be infected.
What are
the symptoms?
§ Cold-like symptoms
§ Sensitivity to
light
§ Red eyes
§ Fever
§ Grayish white
spots in the mouth and throat
§ After a few days a
red-brown spotty rash will appear - the rash usually starts behind the ears,
spreads round the neck and head then to the rest of the body.
What are
the complications?
Common
complications of the infection are diarrhea, vomiting, eye infections and
laryngitis. It can also lead to complications including meningitis and
pneumonia. Some people can die from the illness.
What is
the treatment?
There
is no specific treatment for the infection and the body's immune system should
fight off the illness in a couple of weeks. But in severe cases hospital
treatment may be needed.
How can
it be prevented?
The most effective
way of preventing measles is the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR)
vaccine.
Measles is a 'notifiable disease' - what does that
mean?
“Any doctor that
spots a notifiable disease must record and inform the local health authority” -
This means local health officials can track the infection and can try to stop
it from spreading.
