DISEASE SCANNER

Global Incurable Diseases Tracker

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Infectious Disease

Measles (Rubeola)

HIGH SEVERITY

A highly contagious viral disease causing fever, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis, and characteristic rash. One of the most contagious infectious diseases. Can cause serious complications including pneumonia, encephalitis, and death. Vaccine-preventable.

Global Affected

7.0M

Countries

20

Symptoms

High fever
Cough
Runny nose
Red/watery eyes
Koplik spots (mouth)
Red blotchy rash
Conjunctivitis
Malaise
Photophobia

Treatment Options

Supportive care
Vitamin A supplementation
Fever reducers
Hydration
Antibiotics (secondary bacterial infections)
Hospitalization (severe)
Post-exposure vaccine (within 72h)
Immunoglobulin (high-risk, within 6 days)

Risk Factors

1Unvaccinated status
2Age (under 5 or over 20)
3Malnutrition
4Vitamin A deficiency
5Immunocompromised
6Travel to endemic areas
7Crowded living conditions
8Healthcare settings

Diagnostic Methods

  • 1Clinical diagnosis (rash + Koplik spots)
  • 2Serology (IgM antibodies)
  • 3RT-PCR test
  • 4Viral culture
  • 5Contact tracing

Prognosis

Good with supportive care in healthy children. 1-3 in 1000 cases fatal. 1-2 in 1000 develop encephalitis. Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) rare late complication. Higher mortality in malnourished children.

Prevention

  • MMR vaccination (2 doses)
  • Post-exposure vaccination
  • Immunoglobulin for high-risk exposed individuals
  • Isolation of infected persons
  • Travel vaccination
  • Maintaining herd immunity

Research Status

MMR vaccine highly effective. Vitamin A reduces mortality. Post-exposure prophylaxis with vaccine or immunoglobulin. Global eradication goal. Research on improved vaccines for immunocompromised ongoing.

Affected Countries

IndiaNigeriaDR CongoEthiopiaPakistanIndonesiaBangladeshPhilippinesKenyaBrazilChinaMexicoSouth AfricaUgandaTanzaniaMMVietnamDR CongoAOGhana

Sources

  • https://www.cdc.gov/measles
  • https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/measles
  • https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/measles

Medical Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult healthcare professionals for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.