Today is

By: Ikedi Ani-okoye.

Measles condition

Measles is caused by a virus of the influenza family. The initial measles symptoms are a bit like a bad cold or flu, but with a rash! The vast majority of parents do not know what measles really is, other than being a childhood illness. They know it has a rash and is infectious, but that’s about it.

They have probably never seen it and don’t know anyone who has had it. Most doctors would not recognise measles symptoms until the rash appeared, never having come across it. This is due to the measles vaccination program which was superseded by the MMR vaccine.

Measles causes

Measles is caused by the measles virus i.e- Paramyxovirus. It is mostly seen in the winter and spring. The virus enters the body through the respiratory tract or the conjunctiva. Measles is endemic throughout the world.

Other main causes of measles includes:

• Personal contact is the main cause of measles because it is a contagious disease.
• Droplets from coughs and sneezes
• Immunodeficiency due to HIV/AIDS
• Malnutrition
• Vitamin A deficiency will lead to the condition of measles.

Recognising Measles

a parent you should learn how to recognise measles symptoms. If your child has had the disease, or is immunized, you probably don’t need to know this, but if not you could save a life by being aware of the most important measles symptoms and when to get medical help.

Back in the 1950s and 60s they all knew measles symptoms when they saw the, but not now, so let’s try to spot the them in the rough order in which they normally appear. It’s not easy since many childhood infections have similar symptoms. However, they all have at least one which is particular to that disease.

CONCLUSION

Rarely known as rubeola, measles is more popularly known as a disease characterized by fever, runny nose, red eyes, cough, and an uncontrollable skin rash spread. The virus paramyxovirus of the genus Morbillivirus is the main culprit behind this irritating disease. The term measles is of middle English origin "maselen," which means "many tiny spots". It is in reference to the rash, which is the most obvious manifestation of being infected with measles. Rubeola, on the other hand, is in reference to the reddish color of the body rash.