‘Love is like the measles, we can have it but once, the later in life we have it, the tougher it goes with us.”
Definition
An acute exanthematous viral infection presenting with fever and maculopapular rash that gets confluent, and starts in the head and spreads centrifugally towards the feet.
Prognosis
A self-limited disease with good prognosis, and lifelong immunity.
Treatment
Fever, typical reddish rash, running nose, conjunctivitis with swollen eyelids, Koplik;s spots. Rest – Abstinence from school. Soft diet, more fluids- milk, fruit juice, Dal, Ganji. Syp. Crocin 1 tsp TDS and if fever. Gentamycin Eye drops TDS if conjunctivitis is severe.
If cough Syp. Odoxil tsp TDS (Higher Antibiotic), Injectibe if bronchiolitis. Syp. Tixylix 1 tsp TDS
During recovery Syp. Vitcofol 1 tsp BS (HEmatinic Tonic) Proteinule 2 tsp in milk BD (Protein supplements)
Prevention: Measles vaccine 0.5ml SC over Deltoid, at 6 months and MMR vaccine at 15 months, gives immunity for 15-20 years.
When you see a febrile child with running nose and conjunctivitis, anticipate measles. Tell the parents, to watch for Measles rash which appear after 2-4 days.
