Measles | Herbarium Digital Library


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Measles

Category: Common Diseases and Herbal Cures
Date Posted: 2006-03-02

MEASLES
Measles is a contagious disease. It is caused by a virus found in discharges from a patient?s nose and throat. It is most common among very young children.

Symptoms:
Symptoms appear usually about ten days after a child has been exposed to the virus. The first signs are similar to those of the common cold. From this time until rashes disappear, the disease is infectious.

Fever, running nose, deep cough, red watery eyes, skin rashes

Before rashes break out, spots may appear on the inside of the mouth. Skin rashes appear 3 to 4 days after the appearance of ?cold? symptoms. Rashes are red spots that are usually raised. They appear first on the face and neck, then spread to the abdomen, arms and legs. Rashes fade within a week.

Treatment:
1. If symptoms persist, consult a physician. Extra care must be taken during a measles epidemic or breakout in the community.
2. Isolate patient in a well ventilated room
3. Do not allow anyone with a cough or cold to visit the patient.
4. Keep patient warn in bed.
5. Protect patient?s eyes from strong light
6. Disinfect discharges from the nose and throat
7. Keep patient?s personal eating utensils, clothing, beddings and other articles separate from the family tings.
8. If vomiting occurs bring the patient to the RHU.

Prevention:

1. Avoid direct contact with patients with measles.
2. Do not use articles soiled with secretions/discharges from patient?s nose and throat
3. Involve the community in planning and implementation of immunization against measles of the Rural Health Unit.