Measles

➢ Also known as Rubeola virus.

➢ It is a common childhood disease.
➢ Infection of the respiratory system.
➢ infection caused by a virus, which causes an illness displaying a characteristic
skin rash.

Signs and Symptoms

➢ Dry Persistent Cough

➢ Coryza (runny nose)
➢ Conjunctivis (Red Eyes)
➢ Sore Throat
➢ Koplik’s Spots (grayish pecks)
➢ Four day fevers that reach up to 40˚C (104˚F)
➢ Red Blotchy Skin Rash
➢ Sensitivity to light

Mode of Transmission

➢ Airborne pathogen which spreads primarily via the respiratory system.

➢ It is transmitted in the respiratory secretions, and can be passed from person
to person via aerosol droplets containing virus particles.

Incubation Period

➢ 10 days from exposure to appearance of fever

➢ 14 days until rash appears

Methods and Prevention and Control

➢ Avoid exposing children to any person with fever or with acute catarrhal
symptoms.
➢ Isolation of cases from diagnosis until about 5-7 days after onset of rash.
➢ Disinfection of all articles soiled with secretion of nose and throat.
➢ Encouragement by health department and by private physician of
administration of measles immune globulin to susceptible infants and
children under 3 years of age in families or institutions where measles occur.
➢ Live attenuated and inactivated measles virus vaccines have been tested and
are available for use in children with no history of measles, at 9 months of
age or soon thereafter.

Nursing Responsibilities

➢ Emphasize the need for immediate isolation when early catarrhal symptoms
appear.
➢ Observe closely the patient for complications during and after the acute
stage.
➢ Teach, demonstrate, guide and supervise adequate nursing care indicated.
➢ Explain the proceedings, in proper disposal of nose and throat discharges.
➢ Explain concurrent and terminal disinfection.
Nursing Care

➢ Protect the eyes of the patients from glare of strong light as they are apt to
be inflamed.
➢ Keep the patient in an adequately ventilated room but free from drafts and
chilling to avoid complications of pneumonia.
➢ Teach, guide and supervise correct technique of giving sponge bath for
comfort of patient.
➢ Check for corrections of medication of treatment prescribed by the physician.

Complications that may develop

➢ Ear Infection
➢ Bronchitis, laryngitis or croup
➢ Pneumonia
➢ Encephalitis
➢ Pregnancy Problems