Measles is a viral infection that's serious for small children but is easily preventable by a vaccine.
HOW IS MEASLES SPREAD?
It spreads through the air by respiratory droplets produced from coughing or sneezing.
HISTORY OF MEASLES
In the 9th century, a Persian doctor published one of the first written accounts of measles disease. Scottish physician, Francis Home, demonstrated in 1757 that measles is caused by an infectious agent in the blood of patients.
MEASLES VACCINE
The measles vaccine was first introduced in 1963 when the Edmonston-B strain of measles virus was turned into a vaccine by John Enders and colleagues. In 1968, an improved and even weaker measles vaccine was developed by Maurice Hilleman and colleagues, and began to be distributed. About 85% of children globally had received this vaccine as of 2013. In 2015, at least 160 countries provided two doses in their routine immunization.
SYMPTOMS OF MEASLES
Measles symptoms appear after 10 to 14 days after exposure. They include- cough, runny nose, inflamed eyes, sore throat, fever and a red, blotchy skin rash.
TREATMENTS FOR MEASLES
There's no specific treatment for a measles infection once it establishes. Treatment includes providing comfort measures to relieve symptoms, such as rest, and treating or preventing complications, and over-the-counter fever reducers or vitamin A may help with symptoms.