Measles

Question 1

What is a “exanthem”?

Answer 1

An “exanthem” is an eruptive widespread rash.

Question 2

What are the 6 viral exanthemas?

Answer 2

Originally there were six “viral exanthemas” known as first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth disease. These have since been renamed as we have learned more about their underlying causes:

• First disease: measles
• Second disease: scarlet Fever
• Third disease: rubella (German measles)
• Fourth disease: Dukes’ Disease
• Fifth disease: parvovirus B19
• Sixth disease: roseola Infantum

Question 3

What virus causes measles?

Answer 3

Measles is caused by the measles virus.

Question 4

How is measles spread?

Answer 4

It is highly contagious via respiratory droplets.

Question 5

How does measles present?

Answer 5

Symptoms start 10 – 12 days after exposure, with fever, coryzal symptoms and conjunctivitis.

Koplik spots are greyish white spots on the buccal mucosa. They appear 2 days after the fever. They are pathognomonic for measles, meaning if a patient has Koplik spots, you can diagnose measles.

The rash starts on the face, classically behind the ears, 3 – 5 days after the fever. It then spreads to the rest of the body. The rash is an erythematous, macular rash with flat lesio

Question 6

Briefly describe the management of measles

Answer 6

Measles is self resolving after 7-10 days of symptoms.

Question 7

How long should children remain off school for with measles?

Answer 7

Children should be isolated until 4 days after their symptoms resolve.

Question 8

Is measles a notifiable disease?

Answer 8

Measles is a notifiable disease and all cases need to be reported to public health.

Question 9

What % of patients with measles develop complications?

Answer 9

30% of patients with measles develop a complication.

Question 10

What are the complications of measles?

Answer 10

Complications include:

• Pneumonia
• Diarrhoea
• Dehydration
• Encephalitis
• Meningitis
• Hearing loss
• Vision loss
• Death