Measles is a contagious disease caused by a virus that infects the respiratory system. Medically known as Rubeola, this type of infection involves symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and rashes. Measles is a manageable disease but can be a serious health threat if not treated immediately. Measles , also known as rubeola, is a potentially disastrous disease. It can be complicated by ear infections, pneumonia , encephalitis. The virus is spread easily through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes or by direct contact with infected nose or throat secretions.

Causes for Measles

Measles is caused by the measles virus i.e- Paramyxovirus. It is mostly seen in the winter and spring. The virus enters the body through the respiratory tract or the conjunctiva. Measles is endemic throughout the world.

Other main causes of measles includes:

Personal contact is the main cause of measles because it is a contagious disease.

Droplets from coughs and sneezes

Immunodeficiency due to HIV/AIDS

Malnutrition

Vitamin A deficiency will lead to the condition of measles.

Measles symptoms are accompanied by a fever, coughing, runny nose and watery eyes; in rare cases, pneumonia or an ear infection may develop. If not treated, it may bring fatal results or permanent brain damage.

Though the symptoms themselves may last a week on average, the process of catching this rash can occur over a period of time if not careful. It usually starts when a person with the measles virus coughs or sneezes into the air. The infected mist is contagious for at least two hours, whether it stays in the air or lands on a surface. The measles virus can be spread four days before getting a rash and four days afterward. A measles rash can appear almost two weeks after being exposed to the virus.

Control


Live attenuated measles virus vaccine effectively prevents measles. About 95% of children properly inoculated with live virus vaccine develop antibodies that persist for at least 14 years.

Measles antibodies cross the placenta and protect the infant during the first 6-10 months of life. Vaccination with then live virus fails to take during this period, and measles immunization should be deferred until 15 months of age. This applies both to monova-lent measles vaccine and to combined measles-mumps-rubella vaccine.

Remember that infants are more prone to this viral infection because their immune system are not yet fully develop.

Less attenuated vaccine virus may produce fever and a modified skin rash in a proportion of vaccines, this reaction can be prevented by the simultaneous administration of gamma globulin (0.02 mL/kg body weight) at a separate site from the vaccine. The more attenuated vaccine viruses do not produce symptoms and do not require the use of gamma globulin. The different vaccine viruses appear to be equally effective in producing immunity.

Herbal Home remedies for Measles

Here are some Important Herbal and Home Remedies for the Measles:

Orange Juice: Fresh Orange juice is very beneficial for the measles treatment.

Barley Water: Barley water should be taken daily to cure from measles.

Lemonade: Lemonade should be taken often.

Chamomile: It will not only helps reduce a fever but stimulates the immune system too. hild hydrated with fluids and give a soothing oatmeal baths to relieve itching.

Ginger Tea: It can be effective against a fever. It is most helpful for the child who tends to feel cold, especially in the hands and feet.

Shiitake Mushrooms: It has immure-stimulating properties. They may be eaten fresh, or taken in capsule form.

Garlic Oil: Apply garlic oil to any infected areas to prevent infection.

Drink Saffron: Drink saffron and snake root tea to aid the healing process.

Lobelia: Take lobelia and yarrow for the fastest recovery from measles.


Read about natural remedies Also read about home remedies for neuritis and home remedies for nausea .

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