Your child has measles? Fruits and rest work magic
Most countries, Kenya included, have achieved the United Nations goal of reducing deaths from measles by 90 per cent between 2000 and 2010. The World Health Organization (WHO) attributes this to vigorous vaccination campaigns.
However, experts fear that there might be a resurgence in deaths from measles if the vaccination efforts are not sustained, because the disease is highly contagious.
Measles is a viral infection
Measles is spread through respiration such that when someone with measles sneezes or coughs, others catch the virus. It is thus a viral infection of the respiratory system. The infection has an incubation period of about 14 days and has no specific medical treatment other than allowing the virus to run its cause. However, this should not give you an excuse not to take care of your sick baby; experts advise that apart from isolation, a child who is suffering from measles should be given plenty of fluids and enough rest.
Signs and symptoms
The first symptoms of the infection are usually coughing, running nose, high fever and red eyes. This is followed by small red spots with a white centre that normally appear inside the mouth. After several days, a reddish brown rash erupts, first on the forehead, quickly spreading down to the face, neck and then the whole body. The rash lasts only for five or at most six days and then disappears.
Effects could be fatal
The most serious possible complications resulting from measles include blindness, diarrhoea, ear infection and pneumonia. However, complications associated with the disease, especially for children under the age of five or adults aged over 20, could cause death.
Who is at risk?
Your young children are at a greater risk of contracting measles if they are not vaccinated against it. Also, any non-immune person that may include you, your spouse or anyone living in your household who has not been vaccinated against or previously recovered from the disease can be infected.
Get your baby vaccinated
Babies of up to six months are generally protected from measles due to the immunity passed on to them from their mothers. After six months, it is advisable and almost a compulsory requirement to have your baby immunized against the disease. This comes as part of the MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) immunization package for all babies.
The first dose is usually administered to babies of between 12 to 15 months and the second when they reach four to six years. However, you need to know that incase there is a measles outbreak in your region, your baby who may be 12 months old or below could be given the vaccine. WHO also recommends that double doses of vaccination be given to six and nine-month olds in places where measles is endemic. Your doctor should be able to advise you on all measles immunization schedules, including giving you relevant information regarding immunization campaigns.
No specific treatment for measles – but the symptoms can be managed
Measles has no specified treatment other than allowing it to run its full course. However, you need to let your baby or any other person suffering from the disease have enough rest as well as receive treatment to help manage the symptoms. You could also give your child plenty of fluids and WHO-recommended oral solutions to treat dehydration by replacing fluids and minerals lost through diarrhea or vomiting. If fever is making your child uncomfortable, you may give a non-aspirin fever medication such as Ibuprofen. Your healthcare provider should make sure your baby is given two doses of vitamin A supplement 24 hours apart to help prevent damage to the eyes. Keep on consulting your doctor to help you manage your patient as best as possible.
Facts about measles
o It is one of the leading causes of deaths among young children.
o In 2008, globally there were nearly 450 measles-related deaths every hour.
o Measles is highly contagious.
It is important that your child gets medical care following an exposure to measles, especially in the case of an infant, or if your child is taking medicines that suppress the immune system, has tuberculosis, cancer or any other disease that affects the immune system. You can relieve the symptoms by using home remedies like bathing with lukewarm water added with neem leaves to relieve itching. You could also ensure your child eats plenty of juicy fruits such as oranges or drinks fruit juices to replace lost fluids.
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