UNDERSTANDING MEASLES

With the recent rise in cases, the measles virus has spread to

different parts of the country and is causing some concerns

regarding public health. However, understanding the virus and

its background is beneficial. Check out this reference guide to

learn the basic information of the measles virus.

HISTORY

Measles was first documented by a Persian doctor

during the 9th century according to the Centers for

Disease Control and Prevention. In 1912, measles

became a notifiable disease in the US and in the first

decade of reporting, 6,000 people died annually from

it.

The CDC reports that the disease was eliminated in

the US in 2000 but cases can still exist from infections

from foreign visitors.

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms from measles will typically appear within 7 to

14 days after infection according to the CDC:

Cough

Watery, red eyes

Fever

Runny nose

Skin rash and Koplik

spots in mouth

INFECTION TRANSMISSION

Measles is very contagious and can spread through

close personal contact with an infected person, direct

contact of bodily fluid from nasal and throat secretions or

coughing and sneezing. The virus can survive and

remain contagious on infected surfaces and in the air for

2 hours according to the World Health Organization.

TREATMENT

Currently, there is not a specific antiviral treatment

for measles according to WHO. However, majority of

those who get the virus seek medical attention and

advice from healthcare providers.

PREVENTION

The CDC and WHO recommend a vaccination for

prevention and washing hands frequently,

disinfecting surfaces and staying away from those

with the virus may also help prevent transmission.

WHY'S IT IMPORTANT? The measles virus requires society to take a closer

look at how it functions and how it can be detrimental to our health. It serves as a reminder that continuous research of all diseases and illness is needed to improve health.

The Dwoskin Family Foundation aims to raise awareness about health threats that cause various chronic illnesses, diseases and other adverse health effects in children and adults. And by conducting research to discover ways to prevent diseases and illnesses at their root, the scientific and medical communities can be closer to real-world solutions.