Red measles

Red Measles (also known as Rubeola) is an infectious disease caused by the measles virus. This condition is characterized by symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, inflamed eyes, and a distinctive red rash. Red measles is a highly contagious disease that spreads through the air by respiratory droplets produced from coughs or sneezes of infected individuals.

Symptoms and Signs

The initial signs of red measles typically appear 10-12 days after exposure to the virus and include high fever, cough, runny nose, and conjunctivitis. Several days after the onset of these symptoms, small white spots (Koplik's spots) may appear inside the mouth. The hallmark red rash appears 3-5 days after the symptoms begin, starting on the face and upper neck before spreading downwards.

Transmission

Red measles is highly contagious and can be transmitted from four days before to four days after the rash appears. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The measles virus can live for up to two hours in the airspace where the infected person coughed or sneezed.

Prevention

The most effective way to prevent red measles is through vaccination. The MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, and rubella) is highly effective in preventing the disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends two doses of the MMR vaccine for all children to achieve immunity.

Treatment

There is no specific antiviral treatment for red measles. Management of the disease focuses on relieving symptoms and includes adequate hydration, rest, and the use of antipyretics to manage fever. Vitamin A supplementation is recommended for children with acute measles to reduce the severity and mortality associated with the disease.

Complications

Complications from red measles can be severe and include pneumonia, encephalitis, and subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE). These complications are more common in children under the age of 5 and adults over the age of 30.

Eradication Efforts

Global efforts to eradicate red measles have significantly reduced the incidence of the disease through widespread vaccination campaigns. However, measles remains a leading cause of vaccine-preventable deaths among young children worldwide. Outbreaks can still occur in communities with low vaccination rates.