MEASLES

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Context

• Mumbai recorded 13 new cases of measles and one death related to the infection.

Measles

• Measles is a highly contagious infectious disease caused by measles virus.
• It mostly affects children. It is one of the leading causes of death and disability among young children.

Symptoms

• Initial symptoms typically include fever, cough, runny nose, and inflamed eyes.Small white spots known as Koplik's spotsmay form inside the mouth two or three days after the start of symptoms.
• Common complications include diarrhea, middle ear infection, and pneumonia.
• Less commonly seizures, blindness, or inflammation of the brain may occur.

Transmission

• Measles is an airborne disease that spreads easily by coughing and sneezing, close personal contact or direct contact with infected nasal or throat secretions.

Prevention

• The measles vaccine is effective at preventing the disease.

Treatment

• There is no specific treatment for measlesbut there is a vaccine to stay protected from the disease, which is both safe as well as cost effective.
• Treatment includes providing comfort measures to relieve symptoms, such as rest, and medications like antibiotics, fever reducers and Vitamin A.

https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/mumbai-records-13-new-measles-cases-one-death/cid/1899860