What is Measles?

Answer 1

Both the rubeola and rubella viruses are spread through the respiratory route. This means they are contagious through coughing and sneezing. In fact, the rubeola virus is one of the most contagious viruses known to man. As a result, it can spread rapidly in a susceptible population. Infected people carry the virus in their respiratory tract before they get sick, so they can spread the disease without being aware of it.

Answer 2

Measles is fortunately a disease that is not seen often secondary to the MMR vaccine that is given to children at the ages of 15 months and 4-6 years of age.

This entity is a viral disease that manifests itself with 4 salient characteristics: a very bad cough, conjunctivitis, cold-like symptoms, and a distinct rash that usually begins on the forehead and spreads downward. It is not unusual to have a high fever with this disease, too.

The chief complications of measles are: ear infections, pneumonia, and encephalitis.

Since this disease is a vial infection, antibitoics WILL NOT help. Therapy is symptomatic.