What is the difference between measles and German measles?

Measles (rubeola) and German measles (rubella) are similar in some ways. . They have some
symptoms in common, such as fever, sore throat and rash. However, the virus that causes
measles is different than the virus

MEASLES IS A SERIOUS DISEASE

 Measles is a serious disease that causes a rash and fever.
 Measles is very contagious. It spreads when a person with measles breathes out, coughs,
or sneezes. Anyone who is not vaccinated is much more likely to get measles if exposed.
 Measles can be dangerous, especially for babies and young children. In rare cases, it can
be deadly.

Measles signs and symptoms appear around 10 to 14 days after exposure to the virus. Signs and
symptoms of measles typically include:

 Fever

 Dry cough

 Runny nose

 Sore throat

 Inflamed eyes (conjunctivitis)

 Tiny white spots with bluish-white centers on a red background found inside the mouth on
the inner lining of the cheek — also called Koplik's spots

 A skin rash made up of large, flat blotches that often flow into one another

What are the symptoms of measles?

The most common symptoms of measles include:

 A high fever.
 Tiredness.
 A barky cough.
 Red or bloodshot eyes.
 A runny nose.
 A red rash, which starts at the head and then spreads downward.

Other symptoms of measles may include:

  A sore throat.
 White spots in the mouth.
 Muscle pain.
 Sensitivity to light (light makes your eyes hurt).

HOW IS THE MEASLES VIRUS TRANSMITTED?

 The transmission of measles occurs mainly from person to person and through direct or
indirect contact with contaminated surfaces. Transmission can also take place over a
distance of several metres, for example via a droplet infection by coughing, sneezing,
speaking or via the air. Measles is one of the most infectious diseases.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/measles/symptoms-causes/syc-20374857

How measles spreads

Measles is a highly contagious virus that lives in the nose and throat mucus of an infected
person. It can spread to others through coughing and sneezing.

If other people breathe the contaminated air or touch the infected surface, then touch their
eyes, noses, or mouths, they can become infected.

Measles is one of the most contagious of all infectious diseases; up to 9 out of 10 susceptible
persons with close contact to a measles patient will develop measles. The virus is transmitted by
direct contact with infectious droplets or by airborne spread when an infected person breathes,
coughs, or sneezes. Measles virus can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours after an
infected person leaves an area.

The number of measles cases has increased in the Philippines in recent years, with a dramatic
increase in cases across the country in late 2018. On 7 February 2019, the Philippines’
Department of Health (DOH) reported outbreaks of measles in five Regions, namely the
National Capital Region, Central Luzon (III), CALABARZON (IV-A), Western Visayas (VI)
and Central Visayas (VII). In the following weeks, the outbreaks reached 17 Regions.

Incubation
The patient history is notable for exposure to the virus. The incubation period from exposure to
onset of measles symptoms ranges from 7 to 14 days (average, 10-12 days). Patients are
contagious from 1-2 days before the onset of symptoms. Healthy children are also contagious
during the period from 3-5 days before the appearance of the rash to 4 days after the onset of
rash. On the other hand, immunocompromised individuals can be contagious during the duration
of the illness.

The incubation period for measles is 10–14 days. Malaise, fever, anorexia, conjunctivitis, and

respiratory symptoms such as cough and coryza (three “c” signs) are seen in the prodromal phase
that usually lasts for 2 or 3 days, maximum 8 days. Koplik’s spots, bluish-gray particles on an
erythematous base, occur on buccal mucosa approximately 48 hours prior to the characteristic
skin rash.

How is measles treated?

There’s no cure for measles. The virus must run its course, which usually takes about 10 to 14
days.

You can do some things that might make you feel better, such as:

 Taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen for aches, pains or fever.

 Getting plenty of rest.
 Drinking enough fluids.
 Gargling with salt water.
 Avoiding harsh light if your eyes hurt.

Note: Never give aspirin to children or teenagers unless your healthcare provider specifically
tells you to because of the risk of Reye’s syndrome.

When should people be vaccinated for measles?

There are two types of vaccines that protect against measles: the measles, mumps, rubella
(MMR) vaccine and the measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (MMRV) vaccine.

MMR vaccine

For children, the MMR vaccine is often given in two shots. The first shot is given around the age
of 12 to 15 months, and the second around 4 or 5 years of age. If a child hasn’t been immunized,
measles can still be prevented by receiving the vaccine within three days of exposure to the
virus.

If you’re an adult and you’re unsure about whether you’ve been vaccinated, talk to your
healthcare provider about getting the vaccine. It’s especially important if you are planning to
travel internationally.

MMRV vaccine

This vaccine is only available for children ages 12 months to 12 years of age. Your child should
get one shot between 12 and 15 months. Your child should get the second shot between 4 and 6
years. However, the second shot can be given three months after the first shot. Talk to your
child’s healthcare provider about the best timing for your child.
Treatment

There's no specific treatment for an established measles infection. However, some measures can
be taken to protect vulnerable individuals who have been exposed to the virus.

 Post-exposure vaccination. Nonimmunized people, including infants, may be given the

measles vaccination within 72 hours of exposure to the measles virus to provide protection
against the disease. If measles still develops, the illness usually has milder symptoms and
lasts for a shorter time.

 Immune serum globulin. Pregnant women, infants and people with weakened immune
systems who are exposed to the virus may receive an injection of proteins (antibodies)
called immune serum globulin. When given within six days of exposure to the virus, these
antibodies can prevent measles or make symptoms less severe.
Medications

 Fever reducers. You or your child may also take over-the-counter medications such as
acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Children's Motrin, others) or naproxen
sodium (Aleve) to help relieve the fever that accompanies measles.

Don't give aspirin to children or teenagers who have measles symptoms. Though aspirin is
approved for use in children older than age 3, children and teenagers recovering from
chickenpox or flu-like symptoms should never take aspirin. This is because aspirin has
been linked to Reye's syndrome, a rare but potentially life-threatening condition, in such
children.

 Antibiotics. If a bacterial infection, such as pneumonia or an ear infection, develops while

you or your child has measles, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic.

 Vitamin A. Children with low levels of vitamin A are more likely to have a more severe
case of measles. Giving vitamin A may lessen the severity of the measles. It's generally
given as a large dose of 200,000 international units (IU) for children older than a year.