There is a small outbreak of measles across the United State, causing some concern to rise on how this will spread.
Measles is a contagious virus with no established cure. Since it is an airborne virus, it can spread through an infected person’s cough or sneeze. Measles is extremely rare in the U.S., and according to The CDC it affected around 4,056 people in the last 21 years.
Due to measles being so rare and not having a cure, it can cause panic to rise in communities. Health and Humans Services suggests getting the Measles vaccine as a preventative measure. Although measles has not been found in North Carolina, caution is warranted.
Measles starts out as a rash and, if not treated, can turn into brain inflammation and pneumonia. Also, due to the body being weak from fighting the infection, one may become highly susceptible to other illnesses, making diseases like the common cold life-threatening. Symptoms can vary between people but have some common identifying factors.
People infected with measles will likely show signs of red spots with a white center within the mouth, rashes spread around the body and blood shot eyes. Symptoms don’t appear at the same time and usually begins with a cough, runny nose and a fever followed by a Koplik’s spot over the next few days.
The Koplik’s spots are small blue and white dots that appear inside the mouth, around the cheek area. This will appear before any serious symptoms and will require a doctor visit.
Cleveland Clinic offers an in depth explanation on underlying factors related to this disease. They explain that after the infected person coughs, the droplets from that cough will remain in the air for at least two hours, even after the person has left the room. Even if the infected person does not cough or sneeze there are other forms of getting infected.
Measles is highly contagious and, if in the room with an infected person, nine out of 10 people will catch it. One will be contagious with Measles for around four days before they develop a rash. Risk factor rates vary from person to person.
One is at most risk if they are “older than 20 or younger than five,”according to Cleveland Clinic, pregnant women or those who have a weakened immune system are also at risk for infection. Measles can cause severe dehydration, blindness, bronchitis or laryngitis and in extreme cases death.
One infected with Measles may be treated with Vitamin A, which boosts the immune system and supports growth. However, it will not cure Measles and is only seen as a way to give a body the necessary nutrients to fight off the infection.
If Measles doesn’t cause any other complications it should only last 10 days to two weeks, and should be filtered out of the body by then with proper treatment.
