How can the transmission of measles be controlled?

Question

Hi doctor,

Currently, we are experiencing a severe outbreak of measles. The limited doctors are doing everything they can, but we want to establish a home care setup for the patients. Parents insist on keeping their children at the hospital, and the hospitals are overwhelmed, and unable to accommodate more patients. What steps can we take to spread awareness and guide parents to take care of affected children at home? Also, how can we decrease the spread of measles? Please guide.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query.

Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus. It spreads easily when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. It can cause severe complications and even death. While anyone can be affected by measles, it is most common in children. The virus infects the respiratory tract and then spreads throughout the body. Symptoms typically include high fever, cough, runny nose, and a characteristic rash all over the body. To prevent further spread, infected individuals need to stay isolated during the contagious period, which lasts four days after the rash develops. It is worth noting that individuals are contagious four days before the rash appears as well, though most people are not aware they have measles until the rash appears.

Community-wide vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles. All children should receive the measles vaccine, which is safe, effective, and inexpensive. Children should ideally receive two doses of the vaccine to ensure immunity. The first dose is typically administered at nine months of age in countries where measles is common, and at 12 to 15 months of age in other countries. A second dose should be given later in childhood, usually at 15 to18 months of age. The measles vaccine is often given alone or combined with vaccines for mumps, rubella, and varicella.

Routine measles vaccination, along with mass immunization campaigns in countries with high case rates, are crucial for reducing global measles deaths. The vaccine has been in use for about 60 years. It is also used in emergencies to halt outbreaks from spreading, particularly in refugee populations. While combining vaccines may slightly increase costs, it allows for shared delivery and administration costs, and importantly, adds the benefit of protection against rubella, which is the most common vaccine-preventable infection that can affect babies in the womb.

I hope this information helps you.

Thank you.