Rubeola (measles)

Question 1

How is it caused?

Answer 1

Caused by measles virus

Question 2

Transmission

Answer 2

Transmission: direct or indirect contact with droplets, primarily by nasopharyngeal secretions, but also blood and urine. Highly contagious
• Peak incidence: late winter and spring
• Incubation period: 10–12 days
• Communicable 1–2 days before the onset of symptoms (3–5 days before onset of rash) until 4–6 days after rash has appeared

Question 3

S/S

Answer 3

• Prodromal phase: 2–4 days, consisting of fever, cough, coryza, conjunctivitis
• Followed by Koplik spots (bright red spots with blue white centers on mucous membranes, mainly buccal mucosa; look like tiny grains of white sand surrounded by red rings)
• Erythematous maculopapular rash appears 3–4 days after the onset of the prodromal phase. Rash gradually proceeds from head downward and outward.

Question 4

Treatments

Answer 4

mainly supportive, including antipyretics, bed rest, and adequate fluid intake.

• Immune serum globulin (IG) given within 6 days of exposure may prevent or make symptoms less severe.
• Possible vitamin A supplementation in children 6 months to 2years hospitalized for measles or its complications or those with immunodeficiency

Question 5

Complications

Answer 5

diarrhea, otitis media, and pneumonia, common in young children; acute encephalitis

Question 6

Nursing Management

Answer 6

• Comfort measures, such as antipyretics and antipruritics
• Clean eyes with warm, moist cloth to remove secretions.
• Cool mist humidification to alleviate coryza and cough
• Airborne precautions until 4 days after the onset of rash