Conjunctivitis Flashcards
What is measles?
Measles is an RNA paramyxovirus and one of the most infectious known viruses. It is now rarely seen in the developed world due to immunisation programmes.
How is measles spread?
Measles is spread by aerosol transmission and is infective from prodrome until 4 days after the rash starts.
What is the incubation period for measles?
The incubation period for measles is 10-14 days.
What are the features of measles during the prodromal phase?
During the prodromal phase, symptoms include irritability, conjunctivitis, fever, and Koplik spots.
What are Koplik spots?
Koplik spots are white spots (‘grain of salt’) on the buccal mucosa that typically develop before the rash.
Describe the rash associated with measles.
The rash starts behind the ears and then spreads to the whole body, presenting as a discrete maculopapular rash that becomes blotchy and confluent. Desquamation may occur after a week.
What percentage of measles patients experience diarrhoea?
Diarrhoea occurs in around 10% of patients.
How is measles diagnosed?
IgM antibodies can be detected within a few days of rash onset.
What is the management for measles?
Management is mainly supportive, with admission considered for immunosuppressed or pregnant patients. Measles is a notifiable disease, so public health should be informed.
What are the common complications of measles?
Common complications include otitis media, pneumonia (the most common cause of death), encephalitis, febrile convulsions, keratoconjunctivitis, corneal ulceration, diarrhoea, increased incidence of appendicitis, and myocarditis.
What should be done if an unimmunized child comes into contact with measles?
If a child not immunized against measles comes into contact with measles, MMR should be offered within 72 hours, as vaccine-induced measles antibody develops more rapidly than that following natural infection.
