Measles Outbreak In MP: Causes, Symptoms, How Parents Can Keep Children Safe By Taking Necessary Precautions

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With the recent measles outbreak in Madhya Pradesh, which resulted in two reported deaths and several active cases of life-threatening disease on 19 February; concerns among parents regarding the immunization of their children have spiked.

Measles, previously viewed as a benign illness, has the potential for severe consequences, including pneumonia, encephalitis, and fatality. Let us know the cause, symptoms, and precautions associated with this disease.

According to a report by WHO, An estimated 128,000 people died from measles in 2021 - mostly children under the age of five years, despite the availability of a safe and cost-effective vaccine.

What Is Measles?

Measles, a highly contagious viral disease, has presented significant health challenges worldwide, particularly affecting children. Its spread through respiratory droplets can lead to severe illnesses and fatalities.

The most effective defense against measles is vaccination, which has drastically lowered mortality rates associated with the disease. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has posed a considerable threat to immunization endeavors, making numerous children susceptible to measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases.

What Causes Measles?

Measles is caused by an extremely contagious virus called morbillivirus. This one is an airborne disease, which means it can spread through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, sneezes, or talks. So, if come in close contact with the infected person or you breathe in the particles from them, you can get measles, too.

What Are The Symptoms Of Measles?

Symptoms of measles encompass fever, cough, runny nose, and a body-wide rash. The risks of complications are high, including blindness, encephalitis, severe diarrhea, and pneumonia.

Additionally, measles poses a grave risk to pregnant women, potentially resulting in premature births and low birth weight in infants. The most vulnerable groups include children under 5 years of age and adults over 30.

This disease primarily affects individuals lacking immunity, either from not being vaccinated or from vaccination failure. Measles remains widespread in certain regions of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, especially where immunization rates are low.

Factors such as fragile health systems and disruptions in immunization services due to conflicts or natural disasters further escalate the risk of outbreaks.

What Are The Treatments For Measles
Given its high contagion, an infected person can transmit measles to nine out of ten unvaccinated individuals. The virus can be spread through airborne droplets and can stay active on surfaces for up to two hours. Imported cases also play a role in outbreaks, especially in areas nearing measles elimination.

In terms of treatment, there is no specific cure for measles; management focuses on symptom relief and complication prevention. Vitamin A supplements are administered to patients to avert eye damage and decrease mortality risks. Emphasizing prevention, extensive vaccination campaigns are pivotal in curbing measles transmission. The WHO recommends that children receive two doses of the measles vaccine, typically at 9 months and between 15-18 months.

How To Protect Children From Measles

With the use of safe and effective vaccine, parents can protect their children from measles.

Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine provides the best protection against measles, says CDC (Centres of Disease Prevention And Control). Further, this vaccine provides long-lasting protection against all strains of measles.

Children need two doses of MMR vaccine for best protection.
-The first dose at 12 through 15 months of age
-The second dose at 4 through 6 years of age

In case, you are traveling overseas with your family, the vaccine recommendations too change a bit, says CDC.
-If your baby is 6 through 11 months old, he or she should receive 1 dose of MMR vaccine before leaving.
-If your child is 12 months of age or older, he or she will need 2 doses of MMR vaccine (separated by at least 28 days) before departure.

Also, there is another vaccine, which is the measles-mumps-rubella-varicella (MMRV) vaccine, that protects against 4 diseases. This one too is also available to children 12 months through 12 years of age.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.