Overview
Measles is a severe disorder. It is triggered by a virus and can lead to other severe illnesses.
When Europeans initially went to places like America and Australia they took the measles illness with them (there were individuals who were ill with measles among the settlers). Many individuals already existing in those places contracted measles and many individuals passed away because nobody in those places ever had measles so there was no resistance to it.
Symptoms of Measles
When Europeans initially went to places like America and Australia they took the measles illness with them (there were individuals who were ill with measles among the settlers). Many individuals already existing in those places contracted measles and many individuals passed away because nobody in those places ever had measles so there was no resistance to it.
- Feeling despondent and ill, having a headache.
- Runny nose.
- Red, stinging eyes which hurt when watching TV or bright light.
- Fever – high temperature.
- Small red blotches with white centres within the mouth.
- A rash of large flat spots which can cover the entire body.
- The rash generally starts on the temple then moves across the body.
- The external layer of the skin might peel off as the rash improves, but new skin is developing all the time to take its place.
- Feeling warm and exhausted and pretty ill.
How Can You Get Measles
- You get measles from somebody who also has measles.
- It is transmitted through the air when a person sneezes or coughs.
- It can be transmitted by the watery liquid from a runny nose or eyes.
- It can take up to 12 days after direct contact with measles for the individual to become ill.
Steps to Treat Measles
- See the GP and remain home. Rest and get some sleep.
- Whoever cares for you might give you some ibuprofen or paracetamol.
- Bright lights, television or PC games might hurt your eyes so this is a great time to relax or get mom or dad to read you a story.
- Measles is very contagious from when you start being ill until about 5 days after the spots come. This is not an ideal time to ask your friends to come and play!
Avoid Measles
Most children in Australia will not attract measles because they would have been vaccinated (by injections) against Mumps, Measles, and Rubella when they were one old year and again at 18 months. Most other countries have the same sort of health programs for their children too so that there are no longer so much of kids all over the world becoming victims every year as a result of measles.