01
What is measles?
Measles is an acute, exanthematous respiratory infection caused by the measles virus, which can occur in all seasons, especially in winter and spring, and children are the main susceptible groups. Measles is one of the most contagious diseases, and patients are the source of measles infection and are contagious from the end of the incubation phase of the disease to 5 days after the rash appears. People who have never had measles and have not been vaccinated against measles are more susceptible to infection after contact with someone with measles.
02
What are the modes of transmission?
Measles is mainly transmitted through respiratory droplets, and people can spread the virus into the air by sneezing, coughing, etc., and can be infected by inhaling the virus in susceptible people, or through direct contact with the secretions of infected people.
03
What are the clinical signs?
1. Incubation period: about 10 days (7~21 days). There may be a mild rise in body temperature at the end of the incubation period.
2. Prodromal period (pre-eruption): generally 2~4 days. The main manifestations are: fever, body temperature can reach 38 °C or even higher, runny nose, sneezing, cough, upper respiratory tract symptoms and tearing, photophobia, ocular conjunctivitis and other symptoms. After 2~3 days of fever, a reddish-white spot with a red halo can be seen around the buccal mucosa of the mouth, called Koplik spot, which is a sign of early diagnosis of measles.
3. Eruption stage: Characteristic rash can appear after 2~5 days of fever: from the back of the ears, hairline, forehead, face, and neck from top to bottom, it spreads to the trunk and the soles of the palms and feet of the limbs, which is a rose-colored papule with normal skin between the rashes. The body temperature peaks at the time of rash and the systemic symptoms worsen.
4. Convalescence: If there are no complications, the body temperature begins to drop after the rash is clear, and it enters the convalescent period. After the rash emerges, it gradually fades according to the order of rash, the color becomes dark, there is pigmentation and pityriasis desquamation, and it subsides in 2~3 weeks. When the rash recedes, the body temperature drops to normal and the condition resolves on its own.
04
How can I prevent measles?
Get vaccinated against measles
Improving population immunity through measles-containing vaccines is the most effective measure to prevent measles. At present, the measles vaccine strain used in mainland China is S191, and the antibodies produced after immunization can neutralize the epidemic strains of measles virus of different genotypes, and the use of a single vaccine or a combination vaccine has a good effect on the prevention of measles. It is important for children of appropriate age to be vaccinated in a timely manner according to the immunization schedule. Since June 2020, the mainland has implemented an immunization strategy of one dose of measles-mumps-rubella vaccine at 8 months of age and one dose of 18 months of age.
Other precautions
1. Control the source of infection: Strengthen the management of patients, adhere to early detection, early diagnosis, early isolation, and early treatment.
2. Pay attention to indoor air circulation, open windows for ventilation, and dry bedding. At the same time, it is necessary to pay attention to cold protection and warmth, maintain good personal hygiene habits, and eat a balanced diet to enhance immunity.
3. Strengthen physical exercise and enhance physical fitness.
4. Try not to go to crowded public places with poor air circulation, and pay special attention to strengthening the protection of infants and young children under the age of 8 months who have not yet reached the age of vaccination. If you have to go, you must do a good job of personal protection, such as wearing a mask scientifically, to reduce the chance of contracting measles.