Measles Flashcards
What type of infection is measles?
Highly contagious respiratory viral infection
Is measles a notifiable disease in the UK?
Yes
How is measles spread?
Through respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, and close personal contact
What is the incubation period for measles?
~10 days
When is a person infectious after contracting measles?
From onset of symptoms until ~4 days after rash appearance
What are the main risk factors for measles?
- Exposure to measles virus
- Lack of immunisation
- Failure to respond to vaccine
What are the clinical features of measles during the prodrome phase?
- Fever (39C)
- Cough
- Conjunctivitis
- Coryza
- Diarrhoea
What are Koplik’s spots?
Small, red spots with blue-white centre on buccal mucosa
When do Koplik’s spots appear in relation to the rash?
1-2 days before rash
Describe the rash associated with measles.
Erythematous, maculopapular rash that spreads over 3-4 days
Where does the measles rash typically start?
On the face and behind ears
How long does the measles rash last?
~5 days
What is a key differential diagnosis for measles?
Rubella
What differentiates rubella from measles?
Rubella typically resolves in 3 days and has no Koplik’s spots
What is another differential diagnosis for measles?
Parvovirus B19 (erythema infectiosum)
What characterizes the rash in parvovirus B19 infection?
Bright red rash on cheeks and red lacy rash on the rest of the body
What is a characteristic feature of herpes virus 6 (roseola infantum)?
Maculopapular rash following fever break
What is a prominent feature of streptococcal infection (scarlet fever)?
Sore throat and ‘strawberry tongue’
What happens to the rash in early meningococcal disease?
Maculopapular rash will become purpuric (non-blanching)
What fever duration is associated with Kawasaki disease?
Fever of 39C for ≥ 5 days
What is the typical management for measles?
Usually self-limiting, resolving in ~1 week with supportive treatment
What supportive treatments are recommended for measles?
- Rest
- Fluids
- Antipyretics (paracetamol)
How long should a person with measles avoid school or work after rash appearance?
At least 4 days
What vaccination is used for measles?
MMR
At what age is the first dose of the MMR vaccine given?
12 months old
At what age is the second dose of the MMR vaccine given?
3 years, 4 months old
When can MMR be given as post-exposure prophylaxis?
Within 72 hours of exposure
What are some complications of measles?
- Otitis media
- Pneumonia
- Convulsions
- Encephalitis
What can measles in pregnancy lead to?
- Miscarriage or stillbirth
- Premature weight
- Low birthweight
