Measles Free India

Measles is a contagious disease which is caused by the measles virus. Measles is also known as Morbilli, rubeola, red measles, English measles. It is an airborne disease which can easily spread through coughs and sneezes of infected persons. English measles can also spread through coming in contact with saliva and nasal secretions.

Earlier Rubella was considered as a childhood disease. But it can happen to people of all ages. Measles primarily occurred in the developing areas of Asia and Africa. Affecting around 20 million people. Because of measles, many people die.

To prevent spreading the disease vaccination programs are being organized all over the world. To reduce the rates of death caused due to measles.

Measles free campaign in India -

In India globally, Nearly 36% of death occur from measles. Measles-rubella campaign is being organized in all over India. In order to eliminate measles and rubella till 2020.

The campaign is a global effort to reduce the death caused by measles. The campaign has to give vaccination in the age group of 9 months to less than 15 years, as they can be affected by disease very easily. Around 41 crore children are to be covered in the campaign.

Causes of measles

Mainly, measles is caused by the measles virus. It has a single stranded shape.

The virus can spread through the direct contact of patients. Through sneezing and coughing. Measles virus is very contagious as through a single person who is suffering from the disease, the virus can be spread through about 90% of the persons who come in contact with him.

Only humans suffer from this disease as measles virus are not found on animals.
Measles can also be spread through HIV and Aids. Coming in contact in the areas where the disease most commonly occurs can also because of measles.

Symptoms of measles-

If a person is suffering from measles than after 10-15 days, symptoms will start to show.

The common symptoms are a four-day fever remains high as 104 F, head cold, sneezing, red eyes with a maculopapular rash.

The red maculopapular rash or the measles rash begins after several days when the fever starts. Measles rash cause itching. It starts often from the back of the neck to ears and then spreads through the whole body.

The rash changes the color from red to dark brown before disappearing. It starts after two to four days of the initial symptoms and lasts till eight days.

Complications and treatment -

Complications of measles are fairly common. Like mild ones such as diarrhea ranging from serious ones. Such as acute brain inflammation, pneumonia, bronchitis, otitis media, and corneal ulceration.

Aside from these complications, measles also affects the immune system of the body, leading to bacterial superinfections such as bacterial pneumonia.

Till now no particular treatment is found to cure measles.Medications are given to treat superinfections. People who are malnourished and small children are given vitamin A to boost their immune system and decrease the risk of serious complications. Take care of hygenie so that you don't get measles.

References: google search