Measles is an acute respiratory infection caused by the measles virus, which is prevalent in winter and spring.
1. Can adults get measles too?
Many people think that measles is a disease that only young children under 5 years old get, but in fact, adults can get measles too. Why? First, they did not get measles as a child; second, they were not vaccinated against measles; and third, they did not have an insidious infection. And even if you are vaccinated, it is not 100% successful and the protection of the vaccine is not lifelong.
2. How is measles transmitted?
The virus is present in the secretions of the conjunctiva, nose, mouth, throat and trachea and is spread by droplets through sneezing, coughing and talking. The disease is highly contagious, and more than 90% of susceptible people develop the disease after contact. It used to be prevalent in cities every 2-3 years, with the highest incidence in children under 5 years old.
3, what are the clinical manifestations of measles?
The incubation period is generally 10 to 14 days. The pre-rash period is usually 3~4 days, mainly showing symptoms similar to those of upper respiratory tract infection: ① fever; ② cough, runny nose, lacrimation, pharyngeal congestion and other katydid symptoms, highlighted by ocular symptoms, conjunctivitis, eyelid edema, increased tears and photophobia; ③ Koplik’s spot is an early feature of the disease, a small grayish-white spot with a red halo outside, which is only seen on the buccal mucosa opposite the lower molars at first. In the rash phase, the rash appears mostly 3~4 days after fever. The body temperature may rise to 40~40.5℃, and the rash is first seen behind the ears, neck, along the edge of the hairline, and gradually spreads to the face, trunk and upper limbs, and on the third day the rash involves the lower limbs and feet. During the recovery period, the rash begins to fade 3 to 4 days after the rash appears, and the order of fading is the same as when the rash appears; in the absence of comorbidities, the rash is cured in 7 to 10 days.
4.What are the complications of measles?
Laryngitis, tracheitis, bronchitis; pneumonia; myocarditis; encephalitis; subacute sclerosing holoprosencephalitis, etc.
5.What are the auxiliary tests for measles?
(1) Blood count: white blood cell count often drops to (4-6)*109/L during the rash period, especially in neutrophils.
(2) Smear of secretions for multinucleated giant cells.
(3) Virological examination: specific IgM determination is currently the most common method used for early diagnosis of measles.
6, how to prevent measles?
(1) Patients should be isolated, and contacts should be placed under medical observation for 3 weeks.
(2) Pay attention to ventilation in the living room and make full use of sunlight or ultraviolet radiation.
(3) Vaccination is the best way to prevent measles.
Hand, foot and mouth disease related knowledge Q&A
Hand, foot and mouth disease is an infectious disease caused by enterovirus, the main pathogens are enterovirus 71 and coxsackievirus A16 type.
1, the high incidence of HFMD season and age?
April-June is the high incidence season of HFMD every year, and there is also a small peak in autumn and winter in some areas. The incidence of HFMD is mainly in children aged 5 years and below, and the same child may have multiple episodes due to different types of enterovirus infections.
2.What are the main clinical manifestations of HFMD?
HFMD is mostly a self-limiting disease, which can be cured by itself without treatment in 7-10 days. Patients usually start with fever, loss of appetite, poor mental health and sore throat. 1-2 days later, mouth ulcers appear and red rashes appear on the palms of the hands, feet and buttocks. Some patients may only have a rash without fever.
3.How is HFMD transmitted?
HFMD is mainly transmitted through contact with the patient’s oral and nasal secretions, herpes fluid, feces, and contaminated toys, bottles, eating utensils and other items.
4.What should I do if I have HFMD?
There is no specific antiviral drug. Patients need to be adequately hydrated and rested, and symptomatic treatment such as fever reduction and analgesia can be given. Children should not go to school or participate in party activities until the rash blisters dry up to avoid spreading the disease. Parents and doctors should also pay close attention to the child’s condition and seek medical attention and intensive treatment as soon as possible if the following conditions occur: persistent high fever, recurrent vomiting, drowsiness, easily startled or irritable, hand and foot tremors, trunk ataxia, sudden limb weakness, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
5.How to prevent hand, foot and mouth disease?
There is no vaccine for prevention. Good personal and environmental hygiene is the most important preventive measure, as follows.
(1) Wash hands regularly;
(2) When sneezing or coughing, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue;
(3) Do not share personal items, such as towels, spoons, etc;
(4) Wash and disinfect toys and other objects contaminated with nasal and oral secretions, as well as objects frequently touched, furniture and toilets;
(5) Avoid close contact with patients with hand, foot and mouth disease.