According to World Health Organization (WHO), there has been a staggering increase of cases of Measles outbreak around the world.
Ninety-eight countries reported more cases of measles in 2018 compared with 2017, and the resurgence of the disease in some countries has been linked to medically baseless claims linking the measles vaccine to autism, which have been spread in part on social media by members of the so-called “anti-vax” movement.
The WHO called this as “Vaccine Hesitancy” and categorized it to be among the top 10 most pressing global health threats for 2019.
What’s interesting is that even though measles is generally more contagious than tuberculosis or Ebola, it is eminently preventable with a vaccine that costs pennies.
In Malaysia, the refusal and misinformation about vaccination had led to a huge jump in the number of vaccine-preventable diseases, with cases of measles jumping over ten-fold from 125 in 2013 to 1,467 last year.
This prompt doctors in Malaysia to urge all children to be first immunised against measles.
This case has also brought the attention of Malaysian Medical Association president Dr Mohamed Namazie Ibrahim to make vaccination compulsory for certain types of childhood diseases (including Measles) for which vaccines were available and found to be safe.
“But in order for it to be made compulsory, there must be adequate counselling of the patients or the parents.”, he said.
Thus, it starts simply by knowing and understanding what measles is and how we can prevent it.
So What Is Measles?
Measles (or locally known as Campak) is an acute childhood infection caused by Measles virus. It is a highly contagious, air-borne disease, which spreads through droplets from the mouth, nose or throat when an infected person speaks, coughs or sneezes.
The measles virus can live on surfaces for several hours. As the infected particles enter the air and settle on surfaces, anyone within close proximity can become infected.
Although it can progress quite severely, it takes about 10-12 days after contact with a contagious infected person for the symptoms to appear. The symptoms begins with:
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High grade fever.
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Cough, runny nose.
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Sore throat.
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Muscle aches.
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Watery red eyes.
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Sensitivity to light.
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Feeling unwell/achy body (malaise).
Two to three days later, red blotchy rash (a classic sign of measles) will appear, starting on the face and neck, and then eventually spreading to the trunk and limbs, lasting for four to seven days. It’s important to also note that fever will be usually at its height, following the appearance of rashes.
Red Blotchy Rash (A Classic Sign of Measles)
Raised spots may join together to form blotchy patches
The time the symptoms start until the rash fades usually lasts for 10 -14 days. Measles is contagious for about four days before to four days after the rash begins.
Can Measles be treated?
There is no prescription medication to treat measles. The virus and symptoms typically disappear within two to three weeks. However, your doctor may recommend:
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acetaminophen to relieve fever and muscle aches
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Avoiding bright light which hurts the eyes
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plenty of fluids (six to eight glasses of water a day)
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humidifier to ease a cough and sore throat
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vitamin A supplements
An infected person is advised to stay home to get as much rest as possible, at least until the contagious period is over (about four days after the rash appears).
What is the usual outcome of a child with measles?
Although most children with measles will recover, serious complications can occur targeting
young infants as well as malnourished children. This pose a serious threat to those with a weakened immune system.
The complications include:
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Ear infection (otitis media).
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Pneumonia (infection of the lungs).
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Encephalitis (infection of the brain).
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Diarrhoea.
Death may occur in severe cases. Measles in pregnant women can cause miscarriage and premature delivery.
How we can play our role to prevent measles
Measles is a preventable illness. In Malaysia, measles vaccine, included in the MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) vaccination, consists of two doses and is given as part of the National Immunisation Programme (NIP). The first dose of MMR vaccine is given at the age of 12 months, and a second dose will be given at 7 years. It is available at government as well as private clinics and hospitals.
MMR is a safe vaccine. It is made from weakened versions of live measles, mumps, rubella viruses. It works by triggering the immune system to produce antibodies against measles, mumps and rubella. This will enable your immune system to recognize and fight against all three disease, should you ever come in contact with any of them.
Contrary to some common rumors and misconceptions about the MMR vaccine, the MMR vaccine does not and has never contained any mercury, nor will it cause autism or neurological disorders in children. These claims are simply not true, as numerous studies in multiple countries have shown that there is no evidence linking MMR vaccine to autism in children.
As a matter of fact, it is very important that parents bring their children promptly to be immunized. Adults who have never received an immunization can request the vaccine from their doctor.
Vaccination is especially recommended for individuals travelling to countries that have an ongoing measles outbreak or areas where measles is endemic, although it is highly advised to avoid travelling to those countries.
Measles is a highly contagious disease, which can have very serious consequences. For us to prevent further outbreaks, we need to raise public awareness and ensure vaccine uptake is encouraged at every available opportunity. If you have not received a measles vaccine and you come into contact with an infected person, visit your doctor to receive a measles vaccine within 72 hours of contact to prevent infection. You can also prevent an infection with a dose of immunoglobulin taken within six days of contact with an infected person.
With that being said, it's safe to say that is our role to play an active part to ensure the quality of our health, and the overall health of the generations to come.
Contact a doctor immediately if you suspect you or your child have measles or have been exposed to someone who has measles.
Download our Doc2Us app on Google Play Store or Apple Store to chat with a doctor now.
References:
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World Health Organization. (2019). Measles and Rubella Surveillance Data. [online] Available at: https://www.who.int/immunization/monitoring_surveillance/burden/vpd/surveillance_type/active/measles_monthlydata/en/ [Accessed 29 Mar. 2019].
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Dr. Chan, K. (2019). Measles - PORTAL MyHEALTH. [online] PORTAL MyHEALTH. Available at: http://www.myhealth.gov.my/en/measles/ [Accessed 29 Mar. 2019].
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Immunise4Life. (2019). The MMR Vaccine. [online] Available at: https://immunise4life.my/diseases/the-mmr-vaccine-3/ [Accessed 29 Mar. 2019].
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Smith K (2018) Preventing, identifying and managing measles outbreaks. Nursing Times [online]; 114: 10, 18-19.
Image credit :
1. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/measles/symptoms/
2. https://immunise4life.my/diseases/the-mmr-vaccine-3/
