Measles Flashcards
1
Q
What is measles caused by?
how is it transmitted?
what is the incubation period?
A
- single-stranded RNA (morbillivirus) from paramyxovirus
- respiratory
- 10-12 days, but infective for 4 days before and after
2
Q
describe the measles rash?
A
- brownish discolouration with desquamation
- on forehead and neck, spreading to trunk and limbs
- known as “morbilliform rash”
3
Q
what other symptoms are they likely to have with fever?
A
- cough
- coryza
- conjunctivitis
- catarrh
4
Q
What might you see in the mouth?
describe them
A
- Koplik’s spots: buccal mucosa
- small red spots with a bluish-white speck (grain of rice)
- swelling around the eyes and photophobia
- diarrhoea
5
Q
Why is diagnosis necessary in a lab?
how is it diagnosed?
A
- because it is a notifiable disease
- salivary swab or serum sample for measles specific IgM taken within six weeks of onset
- RNA detection in salivary swabs or other samples
6
Q
How can it be managed?
A
- self limiting so symptomatic treatment with paracetamol and fluids
- Vulnerable contacts should be identified for post-exposure prophylaxis with Ig
7
Q
What complications can you get?
A
- bronchopneumonia
- giant cell pneumonitis
- cervical adenitis
- otitis media
- encephalitis
- Vitamin A deficiency and blindness
- lymphopenia
- miscarriage, low birth weight, preterm birth
8
Q
what may you give t pregnant women who may be susceptible to it?
A
- IM Ig
- MMR vaccination within 72 hours of exposure
