Measles
Measles are caused by a virus. Infection by measles takes place via droplets that are spread with coughing and sneezing. The most contagious days are from 1 to 2 days before the rash starts until about 4 days thereafter. The measles break out about 10 days after the initial infection. Always consult your doctor.
Possible symptoms
- high fever;
- cough, cold, and red eyes;
- white spots with a red dot on the inside of the cheeks;
- spots on the face, in the neck on the body;
- over time, an almost uniform red skin.
Possible complications
- In 5 to 10 percent of cases, the patient can get an ear infection resulting in permanent deafness.
- In 1 to 5 percent of cases, the patient can get a life-threatening pneumonia.
- In one case, in 1 in 1000 children, measles leads to acute brain inflammation, which usually causes permanent brain damage.
- Approximately 1 to 2 in 1,000 patients will die.
There is no treatment for measles. Antibiotics can fight any bacterial secondary infection. There is no treatment for any brain inflammation.
When to vaccinate
Children are vaccinated twice against the measles, the first time is at 14 months, the second time at the age of 9 years. The vaccination is part of the combination vaccine MMR, which protects with one prick against mumps, measles and rubella. Simultaneously with the first MMR vaccination, children also receive a vaccination against Meningococci C. The second MMR vaccination is given simultaneously with the DTP injection. These innjections are given tochildren in a different location than the MMR injection. These 2 MMR injections together provide life-long protection against measles.
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