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Back to Infectious Diseases
Measles
(Rubeola)
Measles results from an infection with the measles
virus (paramyxovirus).
Mode of transmission: Droplet (aerosol) infection.
Clinical manifestations
Incubation period: 1 to 2 weeks.
The pre-eruptive stage: the virus is in the blood causing fever,
rhinorrhea and cough. Koplik?s spots appear in buccal mucosa (almost pathognomonic).
These consist of small 2mm white spots (like grains of salt) surrounded
by a reddish (erythematous) area on the mucous membranes opposite the
2nd molars. The pre-eruptive stage is also the infectious stage.
The eruptive stage: The characteristic centrifugal rash
appears behind the ears and on the forehead, it then spreads to the rest
of the face, and the trunk. In about a day or two it spreads to the limbs.
Lesions coalesce and then become less similar (than say German measles).
As it heals it may leave areas of desquamation.
An attack of measles confers a high degree of immunity
and second attacks are uncommon.
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Diagnosis
Diagnosis is usually evident from the clinical picture. Investigations
are seldom needed and consist of antibody detection by ELISA and culture
of nasopharyngeal specimens during the pre-eruptive stages.
Treatment
Usually only treatment of the symptoms is required. Antibiotics are
given in the case of secondary bacterial infection. In infants and immunocompromised
individuals passive immunization are given within six days after exposure.
Prevention
Active immunization involves a single dose of live attenuated measles
and is usually combined with the vaccines for mumps and rubella (MMR)
in children.
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