Measles

Measles : current happenings

Measles is still one of the leading causes of childhood mortality, WHO has said.
Despite the availability of the measles vaccine globally, children still die from this viral disease which can be stopped by vaccination.
According to WHO reports in year 2000, 73% of children globally were vaccinated against Measles, despite this 544, 200 deaths still occurred from measles, 60% of which took place in Subsaharan Africa. It was said at the time that 600 children died daily from the disease.
Today, according to WHO, 400 children per day are still lost to measles!
This is alarming!
 In 2013 about 145,700 people died from measles, mostly children under the age of 5.
Measles vaccination caused a reduction in deaths by 75 percent between year 2000 and 2013. An estimated 15.6 million deaths were prevented due to the measles vaccination. This is due to aggressive immunization efforts by the various organizations.
95 percent of death from measles have been traced to countries with weak economies and poor health care infrastructures.

How is the virus transmitted ?

The virus is transmitted by coughs and sneezes from an infected person or through nasal secretions or direct contact. Infected persons are highly contagious 4 days before the appearance of the rash till 4 days after.
The incubation period is about 10 to 12 days.
The rash usually is the last thing to appear early on in the infection. Other symptoms are high fevers, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes and also occasionally the koplik's spot which may be seen in the mouth.

Treatment is usually supportive, (good nutrition with adequate rehydration and antibiotics as needed). Complications are managed as they arise.
Vitamin A is administered to every affected child, this helps to prevent or reduce complications from the disease.
Complications are severe and more common in the undernourished, those with low Vitamin A levels
and unvaccinated children. Children under 5 are mostly affected, unvaccinated pregnant women may be affected too as well as adults over age 20.
Complications may  include blindness, pneumonia, encephalitis and ear infections and severe diarrhea.

Way forward:

The WHO, UNICEF, and some other organizations have collaborated to start the Measles and Rubella initiative which is set to help struggling nations, so as to attain the set goals for measles in 2015 and 2020.

How can I be of help?

Creating awareness is key. You and I can help promote the measles and Rubella elimination goals by talking to the people within our sphere of influence. Encouraging them on the importance of vaccination so as to protect themselves and others.

Secondly be vaccinated! Ensure you and your wards are duly vaccinated.