 Measles: This is a highly contagious respiratory illness that causes fever, rash, cough,

and runny nose. It can lead to serious complications like pneumonia, encephalitis (brain
swelling), and even death.

MOT

Measles virus is transmitted from person to person via respiratory droplets

1. Infected person coughs or sneezes: When someone with measles coughs or

sneezes, they expel tiny droplets containing the measles virus into the air.

2. Droplets hang around: These droplets can linger in the air for up to two hours,
even after the infected person has left the area.

3. Transmission by inhalation: If you breathe in these infected droplets, the virus

can enter your body through your nose or mouth.

4. Transmission by contact: The virus can also live on surfaces for a short time. If
you touch a contaminated surface and then touch your eyes, nose, or mouth, you
can become infected.

S/X

Measles follows a two-phase pattern of symptoms:

Phase 1: Initial Symptoms (Prodrome)

 Typically lasts 2-4 days after exposure to the virus.

 Symptoms can feel very similar to the common cold or flu.
o High fever: Often exceeding 104°F (40°C)
o Severe cough: Can be a hacking cough that lasts for long stretches.
o Runny nose: Can be accompanied by congestion.
o Watery eyes (conjunctivitis): Eyes may be red, inflamed, and sensitive to light.

Phase 2: Measles Rash

 Appears 3-5 days after the initial symptoms begin.

 This is the hallmark sign of measles.
o Red, blotchy rash: Usually starts on the hairline and face, spreading down to the neck,
torso, arms, legs, and feet.
o Raised bumps: May appear on top of the red spots as the rash spreads.
o Progression: The rash progresses over several days, eventually becoming a brownish
color before fading.

Other possible symptoms:

 Koplik spots: Tiny white spots with blue-white centers that appear inside the mouth on
the cheeks.
 Muscle aches
 Sore throat
 Feeling generally unwell (malaise)

INCUBATION TIME

The incubation period of measles is the time between exposure to the virus and when
the first symptoms appear. It's generally considered to be quite consistent, but there can
be some variation. Here's a breakdown:

 Average: The incubation period for measles averages 10-12 days from exposure to the
onset of the initial symptoms (fever, cough, runny nose, etc.), known as the prodrome.
 Range: It can range anywhere from 7 to 21 days.
 Rash: The measles rash typically appears an additional 2-4 days after the initial
symptoms begin.

Important to remember: People with measles are contagious before they even show
any symptoms, starting around 4 days before the rash appears. This is why it's crucial
to be vaccinated against measles – it significantly reduces the risk of getting infected
and spreading the disease to others.

COMPLICATIONS

Measles, though a common childhood illness, can lead to serious complications. While
most people recover without problems, some can experience severe consequences,
especially young children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune
systems. Here's a breakdown of some potential complications of measles:

 Respiratory Complications:
o Pneumonia: This is the most common and serious complication of measles, causing
inflammation of the lungs. It can be caused by the measles virus itself or by a secondary
bacterial infection.
o Croup: This is an inflammation of the upper airway that can cause difficulty breathing
and a barking cough.
 Ear Infections: Measles can increase the risk of ear infections, which can sometimes
lead to hearing loss.
 Encephalitis: This is a dangerous inflammation of the brain that can cause seizures,
coma, and even death. It occurs in about 1 in every 1,000 cases of measles.
 Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE): This is a rare, delayed complication of
measles that affects the nervous system. It can develop years after the initial infection
and is usually fatal.
 Pregnancy Complications: Measles can be dangerous for pregnant women,
increasing the risk of miscarriage, premature birth, and birth defects in the baby, known
as Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS).
 TREATMENT/PREVENTION

Measles itself isn't treated with medications that directly kill the virus. However, there
are ways to manage the symptoms and prevent complications, which is where vitamin
A, hydration, and antibiotics come in:

 Vitamin A: Vitamin A deficiency can worsen the severity of measles and increase the
risk of complications, especially blindness. The World Health Organization recommends
vitamin A supplementation for all children diagnosed with measles to help improve their
immune response and potentially reduce complications [1].

 Hydration: Measles can cause fever, cough, and diarrhea, leading to dehydration.
Maintaining proper hydration is crucial to prevent complications and help the body fight
the infection. Fluids help replace electrolytes and keep bodily functions running
smoothly.

 Antibiotics (for secondary infections): Measles weakens the immune system,

making the body more susceptible to secondary bacterial infections like pneumonia or
ear infections. In these cases, antibiotics are prescribed to target the specific bacteria
causing the secondary infection.

Here's a breakdown of their roles:

 Vitamin A: Boosts the immune system and helps prevent complications.

 Hydration: Combats dehydration caused by symptoms and helps the body function
properly.

 Antibiotics: Target and eliminate specific bacterial infections that arise due to a
weakened immune system from measles.

By providing these supportive measures, healthcare professionals can help alleviate

symptoms, prevent complications, and promote recovery from measles.

Prevention is the best defense against measles:

 MMR Vaccine: The MMR vaccine is the best way to prevent measles. It's a safe and
effective vaccine that protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. Children typically
get the first dose at 12-15 months old and the second dose at 4-6 years old. Adults who
haven't been vaccinated or haven't had the disease should also get the MMR vaccine.
 Post-exposure measures: If you've been exposed to measles but haven't been
vaccinated, there might still be a chance to prevent the disease. Within 6 days of
exposure, a healthcare provider may recommend immune globulin, a shot of antibodies
that can help fight the virus. In some cases, depending on your circumstances, they
might recommend getting the MMR vaccine within 3 days of exposure.

Isolating infected individuals: Since measles is highly contagious, it's crucial to

isolate infected people to prevent them from spreading the virus to others. This may
involve staying home from work, school, or childcare for the recommended period.

RISK FACTOR

Anyone who hasn't been immunized against measles is at risk of contracting the
disease. Here's a breakdown of the key risk factors:

 Unvaccinated children: This is the biggest risk factor. Measles is highly contagious,
and if a child hasn't received the MMR vaccine, they have no protection against the
virus.

 Travel to countries with ongoing outbreaks: Measles is still common in some parts
of the world, particularly in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Travelers to these regions
are at increased risk, especially if they haven't been vaccinated.

 Weakened immune system: People with compromised immune systems, due to

illnesses like HIV/AIDS or certain medications, are more susceptible to measles and
complications from the disease.

 Infants under 1 year old: Babies haven't yet received the MMR vaccine and their
immune systems are still developing, making them more vulnerable. However, they can
typically receive the vaccine after their first birthday.

 Pregnant women: While uncommon, contracting measles during pregnancy can be

dangerous for both the mother and the developing baby.

 People who received only one dose of the MMR vaccine: The MMR vaccine is
typically given in two doses for optimal protection. Those who have only received one
dose may have some immunity, but it's not guaranteed.

Remember: Vaccination is the best way to prevent measles and its complications. If
you're unsure about your vaccination status or that of your child, talk to your doctor.
 Mumps: This is a viral infection that causes fever, swollen salivary glands (under the
ears or jaw), headache, and muscle aches. In some cases, it can lead to deafness,
meningitis (inflammation of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord), or
swelling of the testicles or ovaries.

MOT

Mumps is a contagious disease spread through person-to-person contact with infected

saliva or respiratory droplets. Here's a breakdown of how mumps can be transmitted:

 Respiratory Droplets: When an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, they expel
tiny droplets containing the mumps virus. These droplets can travel short distances
through the air and be inhaled by others.

 Direct Contact with Saliva: Sharing utensils, cups, or other objects contaminated with
infected saliva can also transmit the virus. This can happen through kissing, or even
close contact with someone who coughs or sneezes into their hand and then touches
you.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Mumps, though a childhood illness, can affect people of all ages who haven't been
vaccinated. Here's a breakdown of the signs and symptoms of mumps:

Early Signs (Can Last a Few Days)

 Fever: Often low-grade, but can sometimes be higher.

 Headache
 Muscle aches
 Fatigue
 Loss of appetite

Telltale Sign: Swollen Salivary Glands (Parotitis)

 This is the most characteristic symptom of mumps, usually appearing a few days after
the initial flu-like symptoms.
 One or both parotid glands, located near the ears on the sides of your face, become
swollen and tender. This can cause a puffy cheeks appearance.
 Pain while chewing or swallowing can occur due to the inflamed glands.

Other Possible Symptoms:

 Earache
 Dry mouth
 Swollen lymph nodes around the face and neck

It's important to note that:

 Not everyone experiences all of these symptoms.

 Some people, particularly children, may have very mild or no symptoms at all.
 In some cases, only one parotid gland may swell.

Complications (Less Common):

 Deafness (although rare)

 Meningitis (inflammation of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord)
 Orchitis (inflammation of the testicles in males)
 Oophoritis (inflammation of the ovaries in females)

INCUBATION TIME

 Average: The incubation period for mumps is generally considered to be around 16 to

18 days.
 Range: It can vary anywhere from 12 to 25 days.

Key Points:

 People with mumps can be contagious even before they show any symptoms, starting
around 1-2 days before the salivary glands swell.
 This is why vaccination is crucial – it significantly reduces the risk of getting infected and
spreading the virus to others.

COMPLICATIONS

Mumps is usually a mild illness, but in some cases, it can lead to complications. Here's
a breakdown of some potential complications of mumps:

 Inflammation of the Testicles (Orchitis): This is the most common complication of

mumps in post-pubertal males. It can cause pain, swelling, and tenderness in one or
both testicles. While usually temporary, orchitis can rarely lead to testicular atrophy
(shrinkage) and reduced fertility.
 Inflammation of the Ovaries (Oophoritis): This complication can occur in females and
cause pelvic pain. Fortunately, it's less common than orchitis.

 Deafness: Mumps can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss, although

permanent deafness is very rare (around 1 in 20,000 cases).

 Meningitis: This is an inflammation of the meninges, the membranes that surround the
brain and spinal cord. It can cause headache, fever, stiff neck, nausea, and vomiting.
While usually viral meningitis, which is less severe than bacterial meningitis, it can still
be serious and require hospitalization.

 Encephalitis: This is an inflammation of the brain itself. It's a rare but serious
complication that can cause seizures, confusion, and coma.

 Miscarriage: Mumps during pregnancy can slightly increase the risk of miscarriage,
especially in the first trimester. However, the overall risk is still relatively low.

MANAGEMENT/TREATMENT

There is no specific antiviral medication to treat mumps itself, since it's a viral infection.
The treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and making the person feel more
comfortable while their body fights off the virus. Here's what you can expect:

 Supportive Care:
o Rest: Getting plenty of rest helps your body conserve energy to fight the infection.
o Fluids: Staying hydrated is crucial to prevent dehydration, especially if you have a fever
or vomiting. Drink plenty of fluids like water, clear broths, or electrolyte drinks.
o Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or
ibuprofen (Advil) can help manage fever, headache, and muscle aches.
o Soft foods: Eating soft foods that are easy to chew can be more comfortable when
your salivary glands are swollen.
 Home Remedies (for comfort):
o Warm or cool compress: Applying a warm compress to the swollen parotid glands
may help ease the pain. You can also try a cool compress if that feels more soothing.
o Lozenges or suckers: Sucking on sugar-free lozenges or suckers can help with a sore
throat or dry mouth.

In some cases, a doctor might recommend:

 Antibiotics (for secondary infections): If a bacterial infection develops alongside

mumps, antibiotics may be prescribed to target the specific bacteria.

Here's what to avoid:

 Aspirin: Aspirin can increase the risk of a rare complication called Reye's syndrome,
especially in children. So avoid aspirin and opt for other pain relievers like
acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

Prevention is Key:

 MMR Vaccine: The MMR vaccine is the best way to prevent mumps. It's a safe and
effective vaccine that protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. Children typically
get the first dose at 12-15 months old and the second dose at 4-6 years old. Adults who
haven't been vaccinated or haven't had the disease should also get the MMR vaccine.

By getting vaccinated and practicing good hygiene, you can significantly reduce your
risk of contracting mumps and its complications.

RISK FACTORS

The biggest risk factor for mumps is being unvaccinated against the mumps virus.
Here's a breakdown of the key risk factors:

 Unvaccinated individuals: People who haven't received the MMR vaccine or haven't
had the disease are most susceptible to mumps. The virus is highly contagious, and
without immunity, you have no protection.

 Close contact with an infected person: Mumps spreads through saliva and
respiratory droplets. Spending time with someone who has mumps, especially in close
quarters, significantly increases your risk of contracting the virus. This can include
situations like living with an infected person, sharing utensils, or being in crowded
spaces with someone who is coughing or sneezing while infected.

 Travel to countries with ongoing outbreaks: Mumps is still common in some parts of
the world, particularly in areas with lower vaccination rates. Travelers to these regions
are at increased risk, especially if they haven't been vaccinated.

 Weakened immune system: People with compromised immune systems due to

illnesses like HIV/AIDS or certain medications are more susceptible to mumps and
complications from the disease.

 Age: Mumps can affect people of all ages, but it's most common in children between 5
and 15 years old. This is because vaccination rates tend to be high among younger
children and adults, leaving a gap in immunity among this age group.
 Rubella (German Measles): This is a milder infection than measles or mumps, but it
can be dangerous for pregnant women. If a pregnant woman contracts rubella, it can
cause birth defects in her baby, known as Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS).

MOT

Rubella, also known as German measles, is a contagious disease spread through

respiratory droplets and direct contact. Here's a breakdown of how rubella can be
transmitted:

 Respiratory Droplets: The primary mode of transmission is through inhaling airborne

droplets expelled by an infected person when they cough, sneeze, or talk. These
droplets contain the rubella virus and can linger in the air for short distances.
 Direct Contact with Saliva or Mucus: Direct contact with infected saliva or mucus
from an infected person can also spread the virus. This can happen through kissing,
sharing utensils, or touching objects contaminated with the virus and then touching your
face (eyes, nose, mouth).

S/X

Possible Symptoms (if they occur):

 Low-grade fever: Usually mild, not exceeding 102°F (38.9°C).

 Slight headache
 Mild runny or stuffy nose
 Swollen lymph nodes: Especially behind the ears and at the back of the neck.
 Pinkish-red, light colored rash: This is the most recognizable sign of rubella, but it's
often faint and short-lived. The rash typically starts on the face and spreads to the rest
of the body, lasting around 3 days.
 Conjunctivitis (pink eye): Inflammation of the eyes may occur in some cases.
 Maculopapular rash that start on face and spread to extremities

INCUBATION TIME

 Average: The incubation period for rubella is generally considered to be around 14 to

21 days.
 Range: It can vary anywhere from 12 to 23 days.

Key Points to Remember:

 People with rubella can be contagious for up to a week before the rash appears and for
several days after it fades. This highlights the importance of vaccination to prevent the
spread of the virus.
 The mild nature of symptoms can make rubella difficult to diagnose, especially since
some infected people might not experience any symptoms at all.

If you're concerned about rubella exposure or think you might have it, talk to your
doctor. They can advise you on testing and appropriate next steps.

COMPLICATIONS

. Complications in Pregnant Women (Congenital Rubella Syndrome):

 Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS): This is the most serious complication of rubella
and occurs when a pregnant woman contracts the virus during pregnancy. The virus
can pass through the placenta and infect the developing baby, leading to birth defects.
 Spectrum of Birth Defects: The severity of birth defects caused by CRS can vary
depending on the stage of pregnancy when the mother is infected. The first trimester is
the most critical period, as the baby's organs are still forming. Birth defects associated
with CRS can include:
o Heart defects: These are the most common birth defects caused by CRS and can
range from mild to severe.
o Hearing loss: This can be permanent and can significantly impact a child's
development.
o Vision problems: Cataracts, glaucoma, and other eye problems can occur.
o Intellectual disabilities: Developmental delays and cognitive impairments can be
associated with CRS.
o Growth problems: Prenatal and postnatal growth restriction can happen.
o Other problems: Liver and spleen damage, bone abnormalities, and other health
issues can also be associated with CRS.
 2. Complications in Otherwise Healthy Individuals (Rare):

 Very rare: In otherwise healthy individuals, complications from rubella are very
uncommon. However, some potential complications include:
o Arthritis: Joint pain and inflammation, especially in the hands, wrists, and knees, can
occur in some people after a rubella infection. This is usually temporary but can be
uncomfortable.
o Thrombocytopenia: This is a decrease in the number of platelets in the blood, which
can lead to easy bruising or bleeding.
o Brain inflammation (encephalitis): This is a very rare but severe complication that can
cause seizures, coma, and even death.

MANAGEMENT/TREATMENT

There isn't a specific treatment to directly eliminate the rubella virus itself. However,
there are ways to manage the symptoms and prevent complications:

Management of Symptoms:

 Supportive Care:
o Rest: Getting plenty of rest helps your body conserve energy to fight the infection.
o Fluids: Staying hydrated is important to prevent dehydration, especially if you have a
fever. Drink plenty of fluids like water, clear broths, or electrolyte drinks.
o Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or
ibuprofen (Advil) can help manage fever, headache, and muscle aches.
 Home Remedies (for comfort):
o Cool compress: Applying a cool compress to the forehead can help reduce fever and
discomfort.

Preventing Complications:

 Pregnant Women: If you're pregnant and contract rubella, early diagnosis is crucial.
Your doctor will monitor the pregnancy closely and may recommend additional tests to
assess the baby's health. There's no treatment to eliminate the virus from the fetus, but
supportive care for the mother and monitoring of the baby's development are essential.

Prevention is the Best Defense:

 MMR Vaccine: Vaccination with the MMR vaccine is the most effective way to prevent
rubella and its complications. It's a safe and effective vaccine that protects against
measles, mumps, and rubella.
o Children typically get the first dose at 12-15 months old and the second dose at 4-6
years old.
o Women of childbearing age who haven't been vaccinated or haven't had the disease
should also get the MMR vaccine to prevent rubella during pregnancy.
 RISK FACTORS

The biggest risk factor for rubella is being unvaccinated against the rubella virus. Here's
a breakdown of the key risk factors:

 Unvaccinated individuals: People who haven't received the MMR vaccine or haven't
had the disease are most susceptible to rubella. The virus is contagious, and without
immunity, you have no protection.
 Exposure to an infected person: Rubella spreads through respiratory droplets and
direct contact with infected saliva or mucus. Spending time with someone who has
rubella, especially in close quarters, significantly increases your risk. This includes
situations like living with an infected person, sharing utensils, or being in crowded
spaces with someone coughing or sneezing while infected.
 Travel to countries with ongoing outbreaks: Rubella is still common in some parts of
the world, particularly in areas with lower vaccination rates. Travelers to these regions
are at increased risk, especially if they haven't been vaccinated.
 Pregnancy: While rubella itself is usually mild, contracting rubella during pregnancy
poses a serious risk to the developing baby. The virus can pass through the placenta
and infect the fetus, leading to Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) with potential birth
defects.
 Weakened immune system: People with compromised immune systems due to
illnesses like HIV/AIDS or certain medications are more susceptible to rubella and
complications from the disease.

Additional factors to consider:

 Age: Rubella can affect people of all ages, but it's most common in children and young
adults. This is because vaccination rates tend to be high among older adults, leaving a
gap in immunity in younger age groups.
 Socioeconomic factors: People living in crowded conditions or with limited access to
healthcare may be at higher risk of exposure to rubella.