Measles Prophylaxis

Measles General Information

Measles is a common medical disease which is known to be caused by the virus that belongs to the Morbillivirus genus (a paramyxovirus, to be more precise). One should be well aware of the difference between this disorder and the German form of this condition, a totally unrelated clinical illness that is known to be caused by the same virus that leads to the development of rubella. The average incubation period for this medical disorder is known to generally last for 4–12 days (during this period, the patient does not experience any unusual clinical symptoms).

The presence of this clinical illness has been reported since 600 B.C. The first scientific report of this medical disorder (Measles), combined with a specialized distinction from another condition (smallpox) was written in 860-932 by a doctor (Rhazes). During the last 150 years, it is estimated that the presence of this condition has lead to the death of about 2,000,000 individuals. The virus that leads to the development of this illness is known to have been isolated for the first time in 1954. Up until this day, physicians have detected the presence of 21 strains of the virus. Since 1963 the medical industry has approved the use of licensed immunization shots (vaccines).

Measles Prophylaxis

The main option for most Measles Prophylaxis programs is the administration of the vaccine that has been developed against this clinical disorder. Before this immunization procedure was developed, on a yearly basis, at least 450 deaths occurred in the US that were due to the presence of this disorder (of all the 450,000 reported cases of patients suffering from this medical condition). Although the implementation of the vaccine has lead to a fall of the number of infected individuals of about 99%, officials from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) have repeatedly expressed their worries regarding the rise of the number of cases of this infectious disorder of the last couple of years. They emphasize on the fact that outbreaks of this condition can affect areas in which there are plenty of unvaccinated patients.

The immunization process against this clinical disorder (the vaccine) is an inoculation that is similar to the vaccine effective against rubella and mumps. In order to produce the vaccine (the most reliable part of the Measles Prophylaxis program), scientists take a sample of the virus and isolate it; then, they make it grow in special chick embryo cells (this takes place in a highly-equipped laboratory). After the virus has been modified, when it is administered to a patient (a child) it causes a harmless infection of which the organism’s immune system can easily get rid. 95% of all children who are part of the immunization program (the Measles Prophylaxis routine) develop lifetime immunity to the virus that causes this condition. However, physicians recommend the administration of a second dose of the vaccine, one that increases the vaccine’s effectiveness close to 100%.

Physicians recommend that the child should receive his or her vaccine against this medical condition when they are between one year and one year and a half old. The second dose of the vaccine should be administered to the child when they reach about 5 years of age. Studies have shown that a baby is generally protected against this medical condition during his or her 6 months of life (due to the antibodies that their mother passed them at birth). If a child is to travel in an area which is not safe (in which an epidemic of this medical condition may arise), he or she should be granted protection against this disorder. You should ask your personal health care provider which aspect of the Measles Prophylaxis program will suit your baby best.

Measles Treatment

The diagnosis for this medical condition requires the detailed clinical history of the patient’s symptoms (especially fever) for the previous few days. Some physicians widely employ the “observation of Koplik's spots" technique in the common Measles diagnosing procedure. Today’s progress in medicine also enables laboratory diagnosis of this medical disorder. If the physician finds proof of direct contact with another individual who is known to suffer from this medical disorder (from the patient’s reports) he or she will have further strong epidemiological evidence that points to the presence of this infectious disease.

For patients who are suffering from an uncomplicated form of Measles, physicians do not rush into prescribing any treatment trial. However, they widely recommend such patients to make sure that they get plenty of rest. Although antiviral therapy is not prescribed in such cases, supportive treatment may be employed. If you are diagnosed with the presence of this infectious medical condition, we strongly recommend you to seek the professional help of your health care provider. Your personal doctor may want to constantly monitor the progress of your disorder because only he or she will know how to manage any potential complications that may arise from your medical condition. If you need adjacent information regarding this subject, you should ask a pharmacist, a nurse or your doctor.