My 6-year-old daughter has some rashes on her body which has been diagnosed as Measles. Kindly let me know more about the ailment so I can know how to support her current management by her doctors.
Idayat (by SMS)
Measles, also known as rubeola, is a highly contagious viral infection caused by the measles virus. Symptoms typically appear around 10 to 14 days after exposure to the virus and can range from mild to severe. Common symptoms of measles include: High fever: Measles often begins with a high fever, which can reach up to 104°F (40°C) or higher. Some of the symptoms are; persistent cough often accompanied by a runny nose and sneezing. Sore throat, conjunctivitis, general feeling of unwell, as well as ‘koplik’s’ spots which are small white spots with bluish-white centers that may appear inside the mouth on the inner lining of the cheek. In addition, a characteristic rash typically appears 2 to 4 days after the onset of other symptoms. The rash usually starts on the face and then spreads to the rest of the body. It consists of small red spots that may merge into larger patches. In addition, measles can lead to ear infections, which may result in permanent hearing loss if not treated promptly, pneumonia, encephalitis which is a rare but serious complication involving inflammation of the brain. It can lead to seizures, brain damage, and even death. Measles can be fatal, especially in populations with limited access to healthcare or those who are unable to receive vaccination due to medical reasons. Vaccination with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is highly effective in preventing measles and its complications. It›s recommended that children receive two doses of the MMR vaccine, with the first dose given at 12 to 15 months of age and the second dose at 4 to 6 years of age.