In 1896, children contracted measles primarily through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughed or sneezed. The highly contagious nature of the virus meant that it could easily spread in crowded environments, such as schools or homes. Limited medical knowledge and lack of vaccines at the time contributed to widespread outbreaks, as many children had not been exposed to the disease and lacked immunity.
reason for having measles
Measles prey on humans and children so mainly anyone
Some studies have shown that children with measles encephalitis benefit from relatively large doses of vitamin A.
Several children died during an outbreak of measles in Dublin because they had not received the vaccine.
Children with measles should never be given aspirin, as this has caused the fatal disease Reye's syndrome in the past.
Measles
Many children from developed countries used to die of measles in past. Rest of them had depressed immunity for next three months after recovery.
Mumps and measles are two of the common maladies of children.
Children who have measles., or have had the disease in the previous four weeks, have a substantially increased risk of developing severe or fatal diarrhea or dysentery (there is some evidence that the increased risk lasts up to six months after measles). Because of the strong relationship between measles and serious diarrhea, and the effectiveness of measles vaccines, measles immunization is a very cost-effective measure for reducing diarrhea morbidity and deaths. Measles vaccine given at 9 months of age can prevent up to 25% of diarrhea-associated deaths in children under 5 years of age.
Treatment includes bed rest, lots of fluids and medicine for fever and headache. Antibiotics do not help -- either to cure measles or to prevent it. There are no anti-viral drugs for treating measles.
There isn't a specific "worst strain" of measles, as the measles virus is generally consistent in its pathogenicity. However, the morbidity and mortality associated with measles can be influenced by factors such as the individual's health, nutrition, and access to medical care. Complications from measles can be severe, including pneumonia, encephalitis, and death, particularly in malnourished children or those with weakened immune systems. Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent measles and its complications.
WHO and UNICEF recommend vitamin A supplements for children with measles because the vitamin plays a crucial role in strengthening the immune system and reducing the risk of severe complications associated with the illness. Measles can lead to vitamin A deficiency, which can result in serious health issues like blindness and increased mortality. Administering vitamin A during measles infections helps improve recovery rates and decreases the likelihood of complications. This intervention is especially important in areas where measles is prevalent and vitamin A deficiency is common.