Measles is one of the leading causes of death among young children even though a safe and cost-effective vaccine is available.
Measles, or rubeola, is a viral infection of the respiratory system. Measles is a very contagious disease that can spread through contact with infected mucus and saliva. An infected person can release the infection into the air when they cough or sneeze.
The measles virus can live on surfaces for several hours. As the infected particles enter the air and settle on surfaces, anyone within close proximity can become infected.
Drinking from an infected person’s glass, or sharing eating utensils with an infected person, increases your risk of infection.
SYMPTOMS
The first sign of measles is usually a high fever, which begins about 10 to 12 days after exposure to the virus, and lasts 4 to 7 days.
A runny nose, a dry cough, red and watery eyes (conjunctivitis) in the initial stage. Little spots inside the mouth called as Koplik’s spots are highly characteristic of the early phase of measles. The spots look like a tiny grains of white sand, each surrounded by a red ring. They are found especially on the inside of the cheek (the buccal mucosa) opposite the 1st and 2nd upper molars.
After several days, a rash erupts, usually on the face and upper neck.
Over about 3 days, the rash spreads, eventually reaching the hands and feet. The rash lasts for 5 to 6 days, and then fades. On average, the rash occurs 14 days after exposure to the virus (within a range of 7 to 18 days).
Your doctor can confirm measles by examining your skin rash and checking for symptoms, if not a blood test may be needed to see for measles virus.
Most measles-related deaths are caused by complications associated with the disease. Complications are more common in children under the age of 5, or adults over the age of 20. The most serious complications include blindness, encephalitis (an infection that causes brain swelling), severe diarrhoea and related dehydration, ear infections, or severe respiratory infections such as pneumonia.
HOMOEOPATHIC MANAGEMENT
Homoeopathic remedy stimulates the restorative power of the human body and hence the gentle, consistent and reliable cures obtained. Homoeopathy is not merely a symptom reliever but can bring cure for the condition through its holistic healing approach. To understand what homeopathy has to offer, it is necessary to learn something about a different approach to infectious disease than simply attacking a pathogen. It can also offer prophylaxis through effective preventive medicines.
ACONITUM NAPELLUS:Useful at the beginning stages of measles, these children have a high fever, a dry barking cough, and red conjunctiva. Their skin burns and itches, and they feel restless, anxious, and frightened. They toss and turn.
PULSATILLA: These children experience a mild case of the measles. Their fever is not high, and their symptoms are not too painful. They will, however, have profuse tearing from the eyes and a nasal discharge. They also have a dry cough at night which becomes loose in the daytime. They may have ear inflammation. Although they have a dry mouth, they are without thirst.
BELLADONNA: This remedy is often useful at the beginning stages of the measles when there is sudden onset of a high fever, reddened face, and throbbing headache. They tend to be drowsy, a little delirious, and have some difficulty falling or staying asleep. Despite the fever, they are not very thirsty.