Measles (Measles) is a respiratory tract infection caused by a virus that spreads very easily through the air. Although highly effective and affordable vaccines are available today, measles remains a major cause of severe illness and death among young children worldwide, especially in unvaccinated groups.
Doctor would like everyone to emphasize the importance of the ‘vaccine’—a key element that can save the lives of our children and millions of others.
Causes and Transmission Mechanism
- Pathogen: Caused by the measles virus, which belongs to the Paramyxovirus group (Paramyxovirus), an enveloped RNA virus.
- Transmission: Spread from person to person through the respiratory tract by inhaling airborne droplets (Aerosols) from coughing, or by direct contact with the nasal mucus, saliva, and secretions of an infected patient.
- Contagiousness: The measles virus is extremely contagious; 1 infected patient can spread the virus to up to 18 non-immune individuals. Furthermore, the virus can remain suspended in the air or on object surfaces for up to 2 hours.
- Contagious Period: Patients can transmit the virus from 4 days before the rash appears until 4 days after the rash onset.
Symptoms and Warning Signs of Measles
After exposure to the virus, the incubation period is approximately 7–14 days (or about 8–12 days) before symptoms begin. Symptoms are divided into 2 main stages as follows:
Early Stage (Prodromal Phase)
Cold-like symptoms lasting about 4–7 days, including:
- Acute fever, which may reach up to 40°C
- Symptom triad "3C": Cough, Coryza (runny nose/cold), and Conjunctivitis (red, watery eyes)
- Koplik’s spots (Koplik’s spots): A classic pathognomonic sign (Pathognomonic sign) of measles, appearing as tiny bluish-white spots resembling sand grains on the buccal mucosa inside the cheeks, which usually fade when the body rash becomes prominent.
Rash Stage
- About 3–5 days after the fever begins, a maculopapular rash (Maculopapular rash) starts to develop.
- Rash Distribution Pattern: The rash first appears on the face, along the hairline, and behind the ears, then gradually spreads down to the trunk, arms, legs, hands, and feet (Cephalocaudal pattern).
- Rash Duration: 4–8 days: Afterwards, it gradually fades, darkens in color (Hyperpigmentation), and slowly desquamates (peels off).
Dangerous Complications to Watch Out For
Complications are most commonly found in children under 5 years old, adults over 30 years old, pregnant women, and individuals with malnutrition (especially vitamin A deficiency) or compromised immune systems.
- Pneumonia/Lung Inflammation (Pneumonia): Caused by the measles virus itself or secondary bacterial infection; it is the leading cause of death in measles patients.
- Middle Ear Infection (Otitis Media) and Severe Diarrhea: Leading to severe dehydration.
- Acute Encephalitis (Acute Encephalitis): Occurs in approximately 1 in 1,000 cases, causing seizures, altered consciousness, and potentially permanent brain damage.
- Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis - SSPE): A rare but severe neurological complication that typically occurs 7–11 years after recovery from measles. It has a fatality rate of up to 95%, with infants infected before 1 year of age being at the highest risk.
- Risks to Pregnant Women: Measles infection during pregnancy poses risks of miscarriage, premature delivery, low birth weight, or congenital measles infection.
Care and Treatment Guidelines
Currently, there is no specific antiviral drug for measles treatment. Treatment mainly focuses on supportive care according to symptoms (at the attending physician's discretion).
Strengthening Immunity with MMR / MR Vaccines
Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles for both you and your children.
Contraindications for Vaccination
- Do not administer to pregnant women
- Individuals with severe immunodeficiency
- Individuals with a history of severe allergic reaction to vaccine components, such as Neomycin or Gelatin
