What is measles and how can you spot the symptoms?

There have

There have been 738 cases of the infection
in England in the past six months, up from 274 last year

In Depth Hinnah Mian

According to Public Health England, there have been 738
confirmed cases this year in England, up from 274 cases in the
whole of 2017.

Here is everything you need to know about the
infection.

What is measles?

It is a highly infectious illness caused by the rubeola virus.
It can be very unpleasant for the sufferer and sometimes lead to
serious complications, including: diarrhoea and vomiting,
which can cause dehydration; middle ear infection (otitis
media); eye infection (conjunctivitis); inflammation of the
voice box (laryngitis); pneumonia, bronchitis and croup,
infections of the airways and lungs; and fits caused by a fever
(febrile seizures).

About one in every 15 children with measles will develop
complications such as these, reports the NHS.

Anyone can get measles if they haven’t been vaccinated,
although it is most common in young children.

What are the symptoms?

The initial symptoms of measles develop around ten days
after a person has been infected. They
can be similar to the common cold or the flu: a runny nose,
sneezing, a cough, and a high temperature, as well
as sore, red eyes that may be sensitive to light. The
major distinction is the appearance of small greyish-white spots on
the inside of the cheeks.

A few days later, a red-brown blotchy rash will appear. This
usually starts on the head or upper neck, before spreading outwards
to the rest of the body.

How is it treated?

There’s no specific treatment for measles, and the
condition usually improves within seven to ten days. Doctors
recommend staying at home until the condition improves, as the
infection is highly contagious. 

There are ways to alleviate symptoms. Patients can take
pain relievers and fever reducers, drink plenty of fluids to stay
hydrated, and treat cold-like symptoms with warm drinks,
particularly ones containing lemon or honey, as it may help to
relax the airways, loosen mucus and soothe a cough. A GP or
pharmacist can recommend medication for younger
children.

Measles can be avoided by having the measles, mumps and
rubella (MMR) vaccine.