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Moms come across endless viruses and diseases on the Internet and it can be quite confusing. If you are wondering what measles is, this article is for you.
What is Measles?
Photo credit: Discover Magazine – Measles
Measles is a serious disease in the respiratory system that’s caused by a viral infection. It’s highly contagious and very serious that it could lead to death, especially in children. Luckily, there’s a vaccine against measles, which has helped tremendously in decreasing the number of cases around the world. However, measles still causes 100,000 deaths per year, and most of the cases are children under the age of five.
How to spot Measles?
Photo credit: Mayo Clinic – Measles
Measles has clear symptoms such as:
- High fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red watery eyes
- Skin rash
According to the CDC, the initial symptoms (before the rash starts to appear) usually take 7-14 days after being exposed to the virus or coming in contact with an infected person. Then the skin rash follows and appears within 3-5 days after the onstart of initial symptoms.
Difference between Measles and Chickenpox
Photo credit: Medical News Today – Measles
Measles rash:
- The rash starts on the forehead and later spreads to other body parts. The red rash is flat and dry (not filled with fluid).
Chickenpox rash:
- The rash starts on the chest, face, and back, then spreads to other body parts. The red spots are itchy, have a bump, and are usually fluid-filled.
Treatment of measles
Photo credit: Boston Children’s Hospital – Measles
Unfortunately, there’s no known treatment for measles, as it’s a viral infection. If you suspect that you or your child have the symptoms of measles, head to the hospital immediately. Fortunately, the rate of being infected by measles is very low thanks to its vaccine.
Prevention of measles
Photo credit: Getty Images – Measles
Vaccination against measles is the most important way of prevention. The vaccine is available at the local health centers across Egypt. It’s part of the children’s vaccination schedule. Needless to say, avoiding contact with any person suspected of having measles is another way of protecting yourself and your children against Measles and German Measles.
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