[ad_1]
Measles has claimed the lives of two children in Madhya Pradesh’s Maihar and 17 others have been diagnosed with the contagious viral infection, raising alarm bells among district health officials to contain its spread. Measles in children can be effectively prevented by vaccination, but in epidemic years many people missed their doses. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2022, an estimated 11 lakh children will miss the first dose of measles vaccine in India, making the country among the ten countries where measles vaccination is yet to be administered even after the pandemic. There is the biggest difference in. Awareness of its symptoms, appropriate supportive care and promotion of vaccination are essential steps to prevent its spread and future outbreaks. (Also Read | Measles: A Deadly Disease That Can Be Prevented)
In recent months, Madhya Pradesh has been battling a worrying outbreak of measles, a highly contagious viral infection.
Dr. Neha Rastogi, Consultant, Infectious Diseases, Fortis Hospital, Gurgaon, in an interview with HT Digital shared the symptoms, treatment options and preventive measures to combat the spread of this disease.
symptoms of measles
Measles usually begins with symptoms like the common cold, including fever, runny nose, cough, and red, watery eyes. However, the typical symptom of measles is the development of a red, blotchy rash that starts on the face and then spreads to the rest of the body. This rash usually appears a few days after the initial symptoms and can last for up to a week.
Other symptoms may include:
- Tiredness
- loss of appetite
- muscle pain
- sore throat
Treatment
Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment for measles. However, supportive care can help reduce symptoms and prevent complications. Treatment may include:
1. Bed rest: Rest helps the body fight infection and recover faster.
2. Hydration: Drinking plenty of fluids such as water, juice or electrolyte solutions helps prevent dehydration, especially if there is fever or diarrhea.
3. Medicines to reduce fever: Over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce fever and ease discomfort. Aspirin should be avoided in children due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome.
4. Vitamin A: In areas where vitamin A deficiency is common, vitamin A supplements can reduce the severity and risk of complications from measles.
5. Isolation: Infected individuals should be isolated to prevent the virus from spreading to other people, especially those who have not been vaccinated or are immunocompromised.
prevention
“Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles. The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is usually given in two doses, the first dose at 12–15 months of age and the second dose at 4–6 years of age of age. Maintaining high vaccination coverage within the community helps protect vulnerable individuals and prevent outbreaks,” says Dr Rastogi.
[ad_2]
