Measles

Jamie S. Benson

Origins

Originated in 165 AD in Europe

First known as “The Antonine Plague,” and the “Plague of Galen.”

First scientific distinction from chickenpox in 865 AD, by Persian scientist Rhazes

Decimated Roman armies

US Cases, ‘44-’07

Worldwide Immunization

Side Affects

Diarrhea

Pneumonia

Acute encephalitis

Ulceration (corneal, leading to scarring)

Cause

Like HIV, measles is caused by the measles virus.

Humans are natural carriers, for the current strain. No animal hosts or deaths recorded.

Although it came from cows, that was the first jump. It has not mutated from that strain.

Spread coughing and sneezing, personal contact, and direct secretion contact.

Symptoms & Detection

Four day fevers (up to 104*F)

Three C’s: cough, coryza (head cold), conjunctivitis (red eyes)

Anorexia

Rashes

The Rash

Rash is a generalized, flat, red one, spread across the entire body.

Begins several days after the initial fever

Begins on the back of the ears, and only hours later, covers the entire body.

Itching

Brown “stain” like blotches

Typically lasts 8 days

Who is at risk?

Children (ages 1-10)

Elderly

People with compromised immune systems

People without proper living conditions

Death

Measles is a leading cause of death among children around the world

In 2010, there were 139,300 measles deaths globally. 380 deaths every day, or 15 deaths every hour.

The 100,000 infected in the US dies (.3% mortality rate)

74% drop in death rates since 2000 worldwide

Treatments

There is no treatment that can kill the virus, so treatments are administered to help with only the side affects

IV fluids, fever medications, pain medications, antibiotics to treat secondary bacterial infections.

End.