MEASLES

Measles

 Also known as Rubeola virus.

 It is a common childhood disease.
 infection caused by a virus, which causes an illness displaying a characteristic skin rash.

Mode of transmission

 airborne

Period of communicability

 4 days before and 5 days after the appearance of rashes

Signs and symptoms

 Koplik’s spot
 Cough and cold
 High grade fever
 Photophobia

Nursing management

 Darkened room to relieved photophobia

 Diet: should be liquid but nourishing
 Warm saline solution for eye to relieve eye irritation
  For fever: tepid sponge bath and anti-pyretic
 Skin care: during eruptive stage, soap is omitted; bicarbonate of soda in water or lotion
to relieve itchiness
 Prevent spread of infection: respiratory isolation

Medical management

 Vitamin A- helps prevent eye damage and blindness

 Antipyretics- for fever
 Penicillin- given only when secondary infection sets in
 Anti measles vaccine