Transmission, Indication, Presentation, & Prevention
How can you get Measles, what does it look like and what you can do about it.
Measles is caused by Rubeola virus. It is highly contagious. It is transmitted in many different ways, which means the disease can be passed on easily. Virus travel is air borne. It doesn’t sound that deadly but once you have, it the effects last a long time. You can pass it on through simple ways, being around a Cough containing the virus. Even being in the same room where a person with measles was, can last around 2 hours after that person has left. There are other simpler ways like Sneezing and Breathing the air that has the virus but be careful because even though it may not seem like it, the disease is very contagious. Measles can get to you even before the infected person has gotten the Measles rash, I know crazy right? Get this, everyone who hasn't taken the vaccine is vulnerable to the measles virus!
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Indication and PresentationSymptoms are similar to a common cold, you have a fever 104°F (40°C), cough or a runny nose. If you start to realize that it is becoming excessive and really heavy, then you should see a doctor just in case. Other symptoms include red eyes, diarrhea , ear infection, a rash that start at the top of your head and slowly spread to the rest of the body, looks like tiny red spots (Koplik's spots).The rash is what Measles is known for, once you see the rash you should know its time to go the doctor. Dr. Jane Finlay of B.C. Pediatric Society liaison to the B.C. Centre for Disease Control’s immunization committee says “Pneumonia and ear infections are quite common because measles suppresses the immune system and one in a thousand gets encephalitis( inflammation of brain)”.
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