MEASLES

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Tiny white spots with bluish-white centers on a red background found inside the mouth on the inner lining of the cheek — also called Koplik's spots

Sore throat

Inflamed Eyes

Dry cough

Runny nose

Fever

A skin rash made up of large, flat blotches that often flow into one another

CAUSES

The cause of measles is a virus that replicates in the nose and throat of an infected child or adult.

When someone with measles coughs, sneezes or talks, infected droplets spray into the air, where other people can inhale them. The infected droplets may also land on a surface, where they remain active and contagious for several hours.

You can contract the virus by putting your fingers in your mouth or nose or rubbing your eyes after touching the infected surface.

MEDICATION AND TREATMENT

Post-exposure vaccination. Nonimmunized people, including infants, may be given the measles vaccination within 72 hours of exposure to the measles virus to provide protection against the disease. If measles still develops, the illness usually has milder symptoms and lasts for a shorter time.

Immune serum globulin. Pregnant women, infants and people with weakened immune systems who are exposed to the virus may receive an injection of proteins (antibodies) called immune serum globulin. When given within six days of exposure to the virus, these antibodies can prevent measles or make symptoms less severe.

Fever reducers. You or your child may also take over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) or naproxen (Aleve) to help relieve the fever that accompanies measles.

Antibiotics. If a bacterial infection, such as pneumonia or an ear infection, develops while you or your child has measles, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic.

Vitamin A. People with low levels of vitamin A are more likely to have a more severe case of measles. Giving vitamin A may lessen the severity of the measles. It's generally given as a large dose of 200,000 international units (IU) for two days.

DIAGNOSTIC TEST

Haemoglobin

Tuberculin test

X-Ray chest

C.S.F. examination

Total and differential W.B.C.

ESR

POSSIBLE NURSING DIAGNOSIS

High risk of infection related to the host and infectious agents.
Expected results :

Children who are vulnerable do not have the disease.

Infection does not spread

Children do not show evidence of complications such as infection and dehydration.

Pain related to skin lesions, malaise
Expected results :

The skin and mucous membranes clean and free from irritation.

Children show evidence of a minimum of discomfort.

HEALTH EDUCATION

Drink lots of water

Eat only healthy foods

Avoid being around with person with different diseases

Drink appropriate medicines to ensure your body is healthy, like vitamins.