Sinusitis

How to find out if a child has measles. What measles looks like: symptoms with photos, treatment and prevention of the disease in children under one year of age and older

Measles is an acute viral, highly contagious disease, which is characterized by symptoms of acute respiratory infection, two-wave fever, a gradual rash of maculopapular rash, conjunctivitis and intoxication. The measles virus only affects the human body, where the pathogen enters by airborne droplets. The leading symptoms of measles in children and adults are associated with the development of allergic processes, which is why this disease is classified as infectious-allergic.

Rice. 1. In the photo, a child has measles. Rash on the second day of the rash.

How does measles develop (pathogenesis of the disease)

The entry point for measles viruses is the mucous membrane of the oral cavity, pharynx, upper respiratory tract and conjunctival membrane of the eyes. First of all, viruses infect immune cells - macrophages, reticular and lymphoid cells. An increase in the number of lymphomacrophage elements leads to tissue proliferation and the formation of focal infiltrates. Actively multiplying, viruses begin to penetrate regional lymph nodes and blood. The incubation period for measles ranges from 8 to 13 days.

Rice. 2. The photo shows measles in children. On the first day of the rash, the rash is localized on the face.

Viremia in measles

Viremia (entry of pathogens into the bloodstream) develops 3–5 days from the beginning of the incubation period. It reaches its maximum at the end of the incubation period and at the beginning of the rash period. During this time, viruses are fixed in the cells of the reticuloendothelial system. The work of immune mechanisms is launched, which leads to a massive release of pathogens. A second wave of viremia develops. Viruses reinfect cells in the mucous membranes of the mouth, pharynx and upper respiratory tract. When the virus is introduced into the central nervous system, measles encephalitis develops. The skin is affected. In some leukocytes, chromosomes are damaged, and the epithelium of the respiratory tract becomes necrotic.

Measles viruses cause hyperplasia of lymphoid tissue. In the adenoids and tonsils, lymph nodes and spleen, appendix and skin, in lung tissue and sputum, giant multinucleated Warthin-Finkeldey cells appear. Detection of these cells is a pathognomonic sign of measles.

On the third day of the rash, the number of viruses in the blood decreases, and on the 4th day their blood disappears completely. Virus-neutralizing antibodies appear in the blood.

Rice. 3. The photo shows giant multinucleated Warthin-Finkelday cells.

Origin of measles rash

Allergic reactions develop in the patient's body to the protein components of pathogens. The permeability of small vessels increases, their walls are damaged. In organs and tissues (usually the respiratory and digestive systems) in the mucous membranes, catarrhal-necrotic inflammation develops. The upper layers of the skin are affected, on which a papular rash first appears. Subsequently, the epidermal cells undergo necrosis, which is manifested by peeling.

In the oral cavity, the epithelium also undergoes necrotization. It becomes cloudy. Foci of necrosis become similar to small white dots (Belsky-Filatov-Koplik spots). They appear a day before skin rashes. The skin rash appears in stages, starting from the head and then gradually spreading to the entire body.

Rice. 4. In the photo, the symptoms of measles are Belsky-Filatov-Koplik spots.

Development of complications

Measles viruses in the patient’s body suppress both general and local immunity. Under their influence, the number of T-lymphocytes decreases. Anergy develops. Chronic diseases are getting worse. The addition of a secondary infection causes the development of catarrhal-necrotic inflammation in the upper respiratory tract, digestive system and skin.

Signs and symptoms of measles in children and adults

Periods of the disease

During classical measles, four periods are distinguished: catarrhal, period of rash, pigmentation and recovery. The average duration of the disease is about 10 days. Fluctuations range from 8 to 21 days. Each period lasts 3 days. The catarrhal period can extend up to 7 days.

Incubation period

The incubation period (the period from the moment of infection with viruses until the appearance of the first symptoms of the disease) for measles is about 10 days. Fluctuations range from 8 to 13 - 17 days.

Rice. 5. The photo shows the appearance of a measles rash.

Signs and symptoms of measles during the catarrhal period

The disease begins with the development of inflammation of the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract and the conjunctiva of the eyes. There is copious mucous discharge from the nose, hoarseness and a dry cough. Body temperature rises to 39 o C. Symptoms of intoxication appear: weakness, weakness, general malaise and loss of appetite.

The conjunctiva of the eyes becomes hyperemic, the eyelids swell, and purulent discharge appears from the eyes. There is a decrease in the number of lymphocytes in the blood (lymphopenia).

When a rash appears, catarrhal symptoms weaken and disappear completely after 1 - 2 days. In the oral cavity, against the background of a hyperemic, loose and rough mucous membrane, small (the size of a poppy seed) whitish spots with a red rim along the periphery appear. The rashes are called Belsky-Filatov spots — Koplika. They are usually located on the cheek mucosa in the area of the molars. Pink spots (measles enanthema) appear on the mucous membrane of the soft and hard palate.

By the end of the third day, there is a decrease in body temperature, but during the period of the appearance of measles rash it again rises significantly, and the symptoms of intoxication and damage to the upper respiratory tract intensify.

Rice. 6. In the photo, the symptoms of measles are Belsky-Filatov-Koplik spots on the mucous membrane of the cheeks and measles enanthema in the palate.

Measles rash

The measles rash looks like papules about 2 mm in size, surrounded by an irregularly shaped area of redness. In some places the rash merges and then their configuration is similar to complex figures with wavy (scalloped) edges. The basic background of the skin remains unchanged. Sometimes petechiae (hemorrhages) are observed against the background of a measles rash.

The patient's rash appears on the 4th - 5th day of the disease. Initially, it is localized on the face, neck and behind the ears. Within a day, the rash spreads to the entire torso and covers the upper arms. After another day, the skin of the legs and lower arms becomes covered with a rash, while the rash on the face begins to turn pale.

In severe cases of the disease, the rash is confluent in nature. It covers all skin, including the palms and soles. Numerous hemorrhages and even hemorrhages appear on the skin, the diameter of which exceeds 3 mm (echimosis, in everyday life - bruises). Hemorrhages also appear on the mucous membrane of the eyes and mouth. Puffiness of the face, eyelids, nose and upper lip, redness of the conjunctiva of the eyes, purulent discharge, and rhinorrhea are the main symptoms of measles during this period.

After 3-4 days, a period of fading of the rash begins. Body temperature decreases. Pigmentation appears at the site of the rash - brown spots.

Rice. 7. The photo shows measles in a child, the initial stage. The rash at the beginning of the disease is localized on the face, neck and behind the ears (the first day of the rash).

Rice. 8. The photo shows measles in children. The rash appears on the torso and upper arms (second day of rash).

Rice. 9. In the photo, a child has measles. Measles rash, 2nd day of rash.

Signs and symptoms of measles in children and adults in the pigmentation stage

Pigmentation of the measles rash indicates that the patient has reached the end of the period of contagiousness and recovery.

Pigmentation of the rash, like rashes, occurs in stages. It is caused by the penetration of red blood cells into the skin during a rash and the subsequent breakdown of hemosiderin, a pigment that is formed as a result of the breakdown of hemoglobin.

The process begins on the 7th - 8th day of the disease and lasts up to 7 - 10 days. Pityriasis-like peeling is observed in areas of the rash. Body temperature gradually normalizes.

The general condition of the patient is returning to normal slowly. The phenomena of asthenia and immunosuppression persist for a long time.

Rice. 10. The photo shows a measles rash in the pigmentation stage.

Signs and symptoms of measles in children of the first year of life

Measles in children of the first year of life has its own characteristics:

catarrhal period is often absent,
an increase in body temperature and the appearance of a rash occurs simultaneously,
bowel dysfunction is often observed,
bacterial complications are recorded in 2/3 of children.

Rice. 11. The photo shows symptoms of measles: enlarged lymph nodes and conjunctivitis.

Complications (consequences) of measles

The cause of measles complications is the effect of the virus on the patient’s immune system. In the peripheral blood, the number of T-lymphocytes sharply decreases. Allergization of the body to the protein components of viruses contributes to the development of inflammation, which leads to increased permeability of small vessels and damage to their walls. In the mucous membranes of organs and tissues (usually the respiratory and digestive systems), catarrhal-necrotic inflammation develops.

The layering of a secondary (viral-bacterial) infection leads to the development of a number of purulent-necrotic inflammatory processes in the nose, larynx, trachea, bronchi and lung tissue.
Stomatitis and colitis develop.
With the disease, conjunctivitis always develops. The cornea of the eye is often affected.
During the period of pigmentation, inflammation of the middle ear often occurs.
Under unfavorable sanitary and hygienic conditions, pustular lesions of the skin caused by streptococci and staphylococci develop.
Microcirculation disorders in the brain lead to hypoxia and encephalopathy develops. Measles encephalopathy is more often recorded in young children. More severe complications of measles are encephalitis and meningoencephalitis. Pathology develops on days 5–7 of the disease. The course of the disease is severe, with a high mortality rate (up to 10%). Surviving children (about 40%) often have mental disorders and epilepsy.
Damage to the optic and auditory nerves always results in serious consequences. Damage to the spinal cord leads to pelvic disorders.
Very rarely, myocarditis, hepatitis and glomerulonephritis develop as a result of measles infection.

Rice. 12. The photo shows measles in children. The addition of a secondary infection leads to the development of bacterial conjunctivitis. The conjunctiva of the eyes becomes hyperemic, the eyelids swell, and purulent discharge appears from the eyes.

Atypical forms of measles

In addition to the typical course, the disease may have an atypical course.

Atypical (erased) form

An atypical form of measles is observed in children 3–9 months old, since during this period the disease develops against the background of passive immunity, which they receive at birth from their mother. The incubation period for the atypical course is extended, there are no typical signs of the disease, the course is blurred, and the phasing of the rash is disrupted.

Measles in vaccinated children

If for some reason a vaccinated child does not have antibodies against the disease, then when infected with measles viruses, the disease will proceed normally. If a small amount of antibodies remains in the child’s body, then measles will occur in an erased form.

Mitigated measles

Mitigated measles develops when a measles vaccine or immunoglobulin is administered to a person infected with measles viruses during the incubation period. A situation arises when an infected person has acquired immunity to the disease, but its level is insufficient. The developed disease occurs in a mild form.

The incubation period for mitigated measles is extended and ranges from 21 to 28 days.
The catarrhal period is short and ends after 1 - 2 days, or is completely absent.
Symptoms of the disease are mild.
Body temperature is often absent or rises to low-grade levels. There are no Belsky-Filatov-Koplik spots on the buccal mucosa.
The rash on the skin is scanty, not abundant, pale in color. It appears simultaneously on all areas of the skin and is often absent on the limbs. Not inclined to merge. The pigmentation of the rash is weak and disappears quickly.
The disease proceeds without complications.
Diagnosis of the disease is often difficult. The basis of laboratory diagnosis is serological testing.

"Black" or hemorrhagic measles

In severe cases of the disease, the rash can become hemorrhagic. Numerous hemorrhages and even hemorrhages appear on the skin, the diameter of which exceeds 3 mm (echimosis, in everyday life - bruises). Hemorrhages also appear on the mucous membrane of the eyes and mouth.

Congestive (dyspnoic) form of measles

The congestive or dyspnoic form of the disease is manifested by severe shortness of breath and continuous cough, with scanty physical data. The rash appears late and has a cyanotic tint. Hypoxia gradually increases. Lack of blood circulation in the brain leads to seizures and loss of consciousness. The cause of the congestive or dyspnoic form of measles is considered to be damage to lung tissue by viruses (pulmonary measles).

Reaction to vaccination

When administered a live measles vaccine, 25–50% of children develop a severe reaction resembling mitigated measles. This reaction occurs with elevated body temperature, catarrh of the upper respiratory tract and scant rash. Convulsions and vomiting are rarely observed.

Vaccinated individuals do not pose a danger to others. Children with immunodeficiencies are not allowed to receive vaccinations. The introduction of a live vaccine causes a severe reaction in them.

Course of measles in persons with immunodeficiency

In 80% of cases in people with immunodeficiency, the disease is extremely severe. In 70% of cases in cancer patients and in 40% of cases in HIV-infected people, measles is fatal. In a third of patients with immunodeficiency, there is no rash due to measles; in 60% of cases, the rash is atypical. The complications are severe.

Rice. 13. Figure 22 and 23. The photo shows measles in children. In the photo on the left there is a rash on the face (day 1 of the rash), in the photo on the right there is a rash on the face and torso (day 2 of the rash).

Measles in adults

Measles in adults and adolescents is often severe. The intoxication syndrome is significantly expressed. Patients often experience severe headaches and vomiting. Sleep is disturbed. The catarrhal period lasts 4 - 8 days. Catarrhal symptoms of the upper respiratory tract are weakly expressed, Belsky-Filatov-Koplik spots are abundant, often persisting throughout the entire period of the rash. The rash is profuse. Several groups of lymph nodes are enlarged. Sometimes an enlarged spleen is palpable. Complications rarely develop.

Rice. 14. The photo shows measles in adults. A rash is the main symptom of the disease.

Prognosis for measles

The prognosis for uncomplicated disease is favorable. The mortality rate for measles is no more than 1.5%. It mainly occurs in children in the first year of life.

Immunity against measles

After suffering from measles, as a rule, stable immunity develops. Cases of recurrent disease are extremely rare. After vaccination, immunity weakens over the years and after 10 years only 1/3 of those vaccinated retain it.

Rice. 15. The photo shows measles in adults.

Good day, dear readers!

In today’s article we will look at a disease such as measles, as well as its symptoms, photos, causes, periods of development, diagnosis, treatment, prevention and other issues related to this disease. So…

What is measles?

Measles(lat. morbilli) – an acute viral infection characterized by a rash, high body temperature, inflammation of the oropharynx and redness of the eyes.

Measles is a contagious disease with almost 100% susceptibility of the body to infection, the main cause of which is the entry of the measles virus into the body. The mechanism of transmission of infection is airborne droplets, through coughing, talking at close range, sharing dishes with a carrier of infection. Sometimes infection occurs from a pregnant woman to the fetus.

In most cases, the measles virus infects children, which is why measles is most common in children. Measles also occurs in adults, but mainly only in people with a pathology of the immune system or in those who did not have it in childhood, because After this disease, the body develops immunity to this type of virus. If the expectant mother once had measles, resistance to this virus is transmitted to the newborn baby, but only for 3 months after birth. Next, the immune system changes and becomes susceptible to the measles virus.

The acute course of measles can lead to the death of a child, so it is classified as a deadly disease. Other complications of measles include infectious diseases of the respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract and meninges.

How is measles transmitted?

The causative agent of measles is the measles virus, which is an RNA virus of the genus Morbillivirus, family of Paramyxoviruses.

The source of infection is a person with measles who is contagious 6 days or less before the rash appears, as well as in the first 4 days after the rash appears, after which the patient is considered non-infectious.

Route of transmission of measles:

airborne, which means transmission through mucus released when sneezing, coughing, or talking at close range. Remember, a frequent tool for the spread of infection is a closed, poorly ventilated space, for example, premises in kindergartens, school classrooms, offices, public transport, etc. The infection very quickly concentrates in the air where its carrier is located, and if the room is not ventilated, it easily reaches the upper respiratory tract of a healthy person.
contact-household - through the use of the same utensils with a carrier of infection. Failure to comply with this simple safety rule often becomes the cause of various infectious diseases at school and at work.
vertical route - infection of the fetus occurs from an infected pregnant woman.

How to inactivate the measles virus?

The virus is killed by boiling, treatment with disinfectants, or irradiation. At room temperature, its activity lasts no more than 2 days, at low temperatures -15-20 ° C - for several weeks.

Development of measles

Incubation period of measles on average is 7-14 days, after which the first signs of the disease appear. If, but not later than 5 days after contact with a patient, anti-measles immunoglobulin is administered, the spread of infection, as well as the development of measles, is neutralized.

Initially, the infection enters the nasal and oral cavities, as well as the pharynx, where, due to an environment favorable to infection (warmth and moisture), it begins to actively multiply. Next, the virus accumulates in epithelial cells and regional lymph nodes, after which it penetrates the blood vessels and spreads throughout the body. The target organs for measles infection, where it primarily settles after transmission, are the tonsils, lymph nodes, bronchi, lungs, liver, intestines, spleen, brain and myeloid tissue of the bone marrow. In places where the virus accumulates, multinucleated giant cells are formed, and the infection re-accumulates in the cells of the macrophage system.

The development of measles in the classic form (typical form) occurs in 3 stages (periods) - catarrhal, rash and convalescence.

Periods (stages) of measles

Stage 1 of measles (catarrhal period) manifests itself after a period of incubation of the virus and is characterized by an acute onset. The first signs of measles are general malaise, weakness, headaches, red eyes (conjunctivitis), and loss of appetite. Body temperature also increases, which in severe cases reaches 39-40 °C. Next, a profuse runny nose appears, in which there may even be purulent discharge, dry cough, hoarseness, stenotic breathing (in some cases), photophobia, and granularity of the mucous membranes of the oral cavity and pharynx, granularity of the posterior pharyngeal wall.

Measles in adults is characterized by more pronounced signs of intoxication of the body, mainly cervical (lymphadenopathy), wheezing in the lungs when breathing.

One of the main signs of the catarrhal period is also Filatov-Koplik-Velsky spots, which are white, slightly protruding compactions, with red edges, located on the mucous membranes of the oral cavity, more often on the cheeks opposite the small molars, less often on the lips and gums. Before these spots, or in time with them, measles enanthema appears on the palate - small red spots, which after a couple of days merge with the general hyperemia of the mucous membranes of the oropharynx.

The duration of the catarrhal period of measles is 3-5 days, in adults – up to 8 days.

Stage 2 of measles (the period of rash)– characterized by the maximum concentration of measles virus in the blood and the appearance of a bright maculopapular exanthema, which increases as it develops, capturing healthy areas of the skin. At the beginning, the rash appears on the head - behind the ears and scalp, then, usually on the second day, it covers the upper part of the person’s torso and arms, on the third day the exanthema appears on the lower part of the person and legs, at the same time, the rash on the head begins to turn pale .

The measles rash in adults is usually stronger than in children, sometimes with the appearance of hemorrhagic elements.

The period of rash is accompanied by increased symptoms of measles and catarrhal period, as well as the appearance of attacks (low blood pressure)
After the first 4-5 days of the rash, the immune system produces antibodies that neutralize the virus, but the pathological process of disease development continues.

Stage 3 of measles (pigmentation period) usually occurs 4-5 days after the rash - is characterized by a decrease in signs of measles, an improvement in the patient’s well-being, a decrease in body temperature, which occurs due to the production of antibodies by the immune system that neutralize the measles virus.

The rash on the body, again, starting from the head to the lower part of the body, begins to fade, turning into light brown spots, which in turn disappear after 7 days. In their place, mainly on the face, pityriasis-like peeling of the skin appears.

After fighting an infection, the immune system weakens and slowly recovers over the following weeks and sometimes months. During recovery, the body is vulnerable to other types of infection, especially and pathogenic factors.

After fighting measles, a strong immunity to this type of infection is developed, so re-infection with measles is unlikely.

Measles - disease statistics

Measles is one of the common causes of death in children under 5 years of age. Statisticians note that as of 2011, measles claimed the lives of 158,000 people, most of them children.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has developed a plan to combat measles, which is based on vaccination of the population. WHO notes that the number of deaths from 2000 to 2014, when children were vaccinated, decreased by 79%.

As of 2017, no cases of measles epidemic have been reported anywhere. In some countries, mini-epidemics occasionally occur.

Exacerbations usually appear in the autumn-winter-spring period (November-May), when the body is susceptible to and, and the prevalence of the disease has its own cyclicity - an increase every 2-4 years.

Measles - ICD

ICD-10: B05;
ICD-9: 055.

The incubation period of measles lasts about 7-14 days (on average), after which the first signs of the disease appear.

First signs of measles

General malaise, increased fatigue;
Increase in body temperature to or above;
with copious, sometimes purulent discharge;
Dry cough, barking in children;
, photophobia;
Conjunctivitis (soreness in the eyes and their redness, increased tearing);
Lack of appetite.

Main symptoms of measles

Rash all over the body, spreading from the head, then down to the lower body and legs;
White (like an accumulation of semolina) and red spots in the oropharynx;
High body temperature;
, hoarseness, sometimes wheezing when breathing;
, photophobia;
Facial swelling;
General malaise, weakness;
Lack of appetite.

Important! Measles symptoms in adults are usually more severe than in children!

Complications of measles

Complications of measles include:

Disturbances in the functioning of the central nervous system (CNS);
– , (pneumonia), croup, sinusitis;
- lymphadenitis, blindness, pyelitis;
Cerebral coma, death.

Causes of measles

The causative agent of measles– measles virus (eng. Measles morbillivirus, formerly Measles virus), which is an RNA virus of the genus Morbillivirus, family of paramyxoviridae.

Method of transmission– airborne, contact-household and vertical (from the pregnant woman to the fetus) paths.

Human susceptibility to the virus reaches almost 100%.

Classification of measles

Measles is classified as follows...

According to the clinical picture:

Typical shape:

catarrhal period;
rash period;
period of convalescence.

Atypical form:

Abortion measles - begins acutely, with the same symptoms as the typical form of measles, but after a couple of days the signs of the disease disappear, and the rash spreads only to the upper part of the body.
Mitigated measles - appears in individuals with passive or active immunity to the virus, and is characterized by a longer incubation period, mild symptoms, simultaneous rash throughout the body, minimal signs of intoxication of the body;
Erased;
Asymptomatic.

By severity

Light shape;
Medium shape;
Severe form;

According to the characteristics of the flow:

Smooth flow;
Course with complications.

Diagnosis of measles

Diagnosis of measles includes the following examination methods:

Anamnesis;
Immunofluorescence reaction - RIF (Coons method).

Additional examination methods may include:

Laryngoscopy;
Examination of sputum to determine its sensitivity to antibiotics.

A test for measles is taken from blood, nasopharyngeal swabs, urine and conjunctival secretions.

How to treat measles? Treatment for measles currently focuses on suppressing symptoms and strengthening the immune system. There is no specific medicine against the measles virus yet (as of 05.2017). At the testing stage, ribavirin showed its effectiveness against the measles virus, but it is not currently used in treatment against this disease. Also, some specialists use interferon-based drugs to treat measles.

Treatment of measles includes the following:

Bed rest;
Symptomatic treatment;
Detoxification therapy, drinking plenty of fluids;
Strengthening the immune system;

An uncomplicated form of measles is treated at home, a complicated form is treated in a hospital.

1. Bed rest

Bed rest for severe infectious diseases is aimed at accumulating the body's forces necessary to fight the infection. In addition, the patient must be isolated from other people who have not previously had measles, therefore, at the first signs of measles, the child must be kept from going to kindergarten or school, and the adult must refrain from going to work.

In the room where the patient is located, you need to dim the light a little.

2. Symptomatic treatment (medicines for measles)

Important! Before using medications, be sure to consult with your doctor. Remember, medications have a number of side effects, so self-medication is not recommended at all!

Medicines for measles

For pain and fever, antipyretic drugs are prescribed - “Diclofenac”, “”, “”.

For children, instead of medications, it is better to use cold compresses on the forehead, neck, wrists and armpits.

For severe coughs, expectorants and mucolytics are prescribed - "Ambroxol", "ACC", "Bromhexine", "", "Mukaltin", "Marshmallow Root".

Important! It is prohibited to give mucolytic agents to children under 2 years of age!

For allergic reactions, skin rashes and itching, antihistamines are prescribed - “Diazolin”, “”, “”.

For nausea and vomiting they are prescribed - "", "Pipolfen", "".

To rinse the oropharynx, use a decoction of chamomile, or a solution of chlorhexidine.

If the eyes are red, they are prescribed to be washed with strong tea.

With the development of conjunctivitis, depending on its type, the eyes are treated with antibiotics (for bacterial conjunctivitis) - "" (0.25%), "Albucid" (20%), "Ciprofloxacin", antiviral agents (for viral conjunctivitis) - "Interferon ", "Keretsid", "Laferon".

To prevent complications, the eyes are instilled with anti-inflammatory drops - “Sulfacil”.

Antibiotics. If the body is concomitantly infected with a bacterial infection, a course of antibacterial drugs (antibiotics) is prescribed. Antibiotics are prescribed based on diagnosis and depend on the specific type of bacteria.

3. Detoxification therapy

To strengthen the immune system and stimulate its activity, immunostimulants are prescribed - “Immunal”, “Imudon”, “Lizobakt”.

Consequences of measles

The consequences of measles can be quite unexpected. For example, some medical professionals believe that the measles virus can provoke in the future the development of diseases such as lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, systemic scleroderma, encephalitis and others.

Important! Before using folk remedies against measles, be sure to consult your doctor!

Linden. Pour 2 tbsp into a thermos. spoons of linden flowers and fill them with 500 ml of water. Let the product brew for about 3 hours, strain and take the infusion several times throughout the day.

Raspberry. 2 tbsp. Pour a glass of boiling water over spoons of raspberries, let the product brew for about 1 hour, wrapped in a warm cloth. You need to drink the infusion 1 glass, 3 times a day.

An acute viral disease - measles - is still considered one of the most dangerous due to the large number of complications.

Despite universal vaccination, outbreaks of the disease occasionally occur. Children after one year of age are at risk. It is in them that the infection is severe, with serious consequences.

Parents should know what symptoms and first signs indicate the presence of measles in children (1 year old, children 2-5 years old and older) in order to promptly consult a doctor and start treatment.

About the infection

Emergency vaccination is also used when a child has been in contact with a sick person (read about the symptoms that appear in newborns during infection). An emergency vaccination is given if a lot of time has passed since the previous injection, if the baby is 6-12 months old and has not been vaccinated.

The virus suppresses the immune system, so there is a high risk of complications. The most common of them are pneumonia, tracheitis, otitis media, colitis, encephalitis and meningitis.

It happens that the disease ends in death. This happens to weakened children who do not receive full care during illness.

Measles poses the greatest danger to a child with immunodeficiency. Among them, the percentage of deaths has increased several times.

How does the disease manifest in a child, symptoms, photos

In its development, the disease goes through three stages:

Catarrhal.
Rash stage.
Period of involution.

At each stage there are characteristic signs of pathology.

Symptoms of the catarrhal stage of measles in children are initially similar to the manifestation of ARVI. Often parents do not take them seriously and independently prescribe their child antipyretics and antibiotics.

Manifestations at the initial stage

This is how measles begins in children, its first signs:

Increase in temperature. This is how the body reacts to the presence of the virus. If the child is not vaccinated, the temperature can reach 39-40 degrees; in vaccinated patients the increase is slight, up to 37-38 degrees.
Rhinitis, runny nose. Microbes increase the permeability of capillaries - this causes increased secretion of mucus from the nose and swelling.
Cough. Usually dry, barking, without sputum production. Accompanied by severe sore throat and redness of the back of the palate. Sometimes the swelling is very severe and can make it difficult for the baby to breathe.
Photophobia. The baby's eyelids are inflamed, so they are irritated by bright light. The child squints, closes his eyes, turns away from the light.
Inflammation of the eyes (conjunctivitis). Accompanied by purulent discharge from the eyes.
Swelling of the face. It looks puffy, like an allergy. This is a consequence of lymph stagnation.
Inflammation of the lymph nodes. Microbes penetrate the lymphatic system through the mucous membranes through the bloodstream and inhibit lymphocytes.
Belsky spots. This is the most characteristic sign of the disease. The spots appear on days 4-5, are located on the mucous membrane of the cheeks, and resemble grains of semolina surrounded by a red rim.
Indigestion. Abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting may occur. The virus affects the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines.
Excitability, moodiness. If during ARVI the baby is usually lethargic and drowsy, then during measles he is capricious and excitable and does not sleep well. The infection affects the membranes of the brain.

The photo below shows the main symptoms of the disease in children at the initial stage:

and here you see how the disease manifests itself in the child’s mouth, there are red spots in the throat:

Period of rash

How to determine it yourself

Parents can recognize the disease themselves. It is important to know how measles differs from ARVI or influenza.

A comparative analysis of symptoms is given in the table:

Thus, the most characteristic first signs of measles are Belsky spots and skin rashes.

Diagnostics

At the first symptoms of the disease, you should contact your pediatrician.

If the baby has a high temperature, a doctor is called to the house; in a critical situation, an ambulance must be called.

For diagnosis, the following examinations are prescribed:

General blood and urine analysis. In the patient's blood, lymphocytes are increased and leukocytes are moderately decreased, and ESR is increased.
Blood test to detect antibodies. This is achieved using the fluorescence method.
If pneumonia is suspected, an x-ray of the lungs is prescribed.
To diagnose encephalitis, electroencephalography is performed. An examination by a neurologist is also required.

A specialist will talk about the symptoms, diagnostic methods and prevention of measles in children in this video:

Measles is a dangerous viral disease. Unvaccinated children suffer the most from the virus. The outcome of the disease depends on the correct treatment and care of the patient.

Therefore, it is important to promptly recognize the initial symptoms of the disease and consult a doctor.

Measles- an acute infectious disease that manifests itself with a temperature above 39 degrees, severe intoxication, sore throat, cough and a characteristic rash. The disease is caused by a virus that enters the body through the mucous membrane of the mouth, nose and eyes. You can only get measles once in your life; after it, your body develops lasting immunity.

General blood test

With measles, the following changes are detected in the blood:

decreased levels of lymphocytes, leukocytes, monocytes and neutrophils;
decreased level of eosinophils (may be completely absent);
The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is moderately elevated.

Enzyme immunoassay for antibodies to measles virus

For the study, blood is taken from a vein, its serum is separated and processed using special enzymes. To study the antibody titer, the hemagglutination inhibition reaction (HAI) and the neutralization reaction (RN) are widely used, less commonly the radial hemolysis reaction (RHR) and the immunofluorescence reaction (RIF).

Immunoglobulin M (IgM)- substances that are produced in the body to fight the measles virus from 3-4 days of illness. The diagnosis of measles is confirmed by the following results:

0.12 - 0.18 IU/ml is a questionable result. Antibodies have not yet developed, perhaps not enough time has passed since the onset of the disease. The analysis must be repeated after 10 days.
>0.18 IU/ml - positive result. The body recognized the measles virus and began to fight it.

If the antibody titer is less than 0.12 IU/ml, then the body has never encountered the measles virus and another microorganism has become the cause of poor health.

Immunoglobulin G (IgG)- antibodies to fight the measles virus, which begin to be released from the second day of the rash or 10-14 days after infection. They last a lifetime, providing protection against re-infection.

When infected with measles, the following results are possible:

0 - 0.12 IU/ml - no antibodies to measles were detected. The disease is caused by another virus.
0.12 - 0.18 IU/ml is a questionable result.
>0.18 IU/ml - positive result. The body has produced enough antibodies to protect against the virus.

Additional tests although they cannot identify the cause of the disease, they talk a lot about the condition of the body and the complications that have arisen.

General urine test

With measles in the urine there is:

protein admixture (microproteinuria);
increased level of white blood cells (leukocyturia).

Chest x-ray

Shadows corresponding to areas of inflammation in the lungs indicate that measles is complicated by pneumonia.

Treatment of measles

Is hospital treatment necessary?

Treatment for measles is usually carried out at home. The doctor will visit you periodically during this period and monitor the progress of the disease. He will prescribe you the necessary medications, recommend that you eat well and drink plenty of fluids, and also take vitamins A and C.

Treatment in the infectious diseases department of the hospital is required in the following cases:

if serious complications arise;
severe course of the disease, severe poisoning of the body (intoxication);
it is impossible to isolate the patient from other members of the team (in a boarding school or in the army).

Daily regimen for measles

A patient with measles needs bed rest while the temperature persists. If possible, give him a separate room. Wet cleaning should be carried out at least 2 times a day. It is very important that the air remains fresh at all times, so ventilate the room more often.

If bright light causes discomfort, then close the curtains and in the evening turn on a table lamp instead of a chandelier.

Follow a daily routine. Although sleep is disturbed and insomnia has appeared, try to go to bed on time. This is especially true for children.

If it is difficult to keep your child in bed, then allow him to play quiet games, watch a little TV, or read together. But it is advisable that he sleep after lunch.

Diet for measles

The diet for measles should be light so as not to irritate the intestines and high in calories to maintain the body’s strength. It is very important to take enough vitamins A and C, which will improve the condition and speed up recovery.
If there are digestive disorders, then doctors prescribe diet No. 2. When intestinal function has returned to normal, diet No. 15 will help restore strength.

Drink plenty of fluids. The norm for an adult is 2.5-3 liters per day, and for a child 100-150 ml/kg per day. Compliance with this rule helps to remove harmful waste products of viruses from the body, reduce allergy in the body and prevent complications from occurring. You can drink clean water, compotes, juices, fruit drinks, teas.
Ready-made dehydration solutions Regidron help restore water and mineral reserves, Humana Electrolyte. You can prepare a similar solution yourself by dissolving 1 tbsp in a liter of boiled water. sugar, 1/2 tsp. baking soda and 1 tsp. salt.
The menu should contain a lot of vegetables and fruits, both raw and stewed and boiled. Vegetable soups with cereals in low-fat meat broth are good.
Food should be warm, but not hot, so as not to irritate a sore throat. For the same reason, it is desirable that the dishes be pureed and semi-liquid (mashed soups or milk porridges). Such food is easy to swallow without irritating the mucous membrane of the mouth.
To strengthen the immune system, you need protein dishes made from lean pureed meat and fish (steamed cutlets, pate or soufflé). As well as omelettes, cottage cheese in its natural form or in a casserole with cereals and berries.
Any semi-liquid porridge is suitable as a side dish: rice, buckwheat, millet.
Fermented milk products, especially kefir, narine and homemade yoghurts, boost immunity well.
Eliminate from your diet:
1. tough, fatty and stringy meat;
2. animal fats (lard, cooking fat);
3. fried foods;
4. hot spices: hot red and black pepper, horseradish, mustard.

Treatment of measles with medications

There are no special medications to combat the measles virus. Treatment is aimed at eliminating symptoms and preventing the development of a bacterial infection.

Cytokines

Protein-based immunotherapy drugs are used for treatment and emergency prevention if you have been in contact with someone who has measles. They help create immune defenses and have an antiviral effect, preventing the virus from multiplying.

Leukinferon dry is used for injection 1000 IU intramuscularly. Injections are given daily for 3-5 days.

Measles γ-globulin. 5 ml of the drug is administered intramuscularly once.

Antihistamines

By blocking sensitive receptors, these drugs reduce the manifestations of an allergic reaction. The rash becomes less abundant, and the general condition improves.

Suprastin- 1 tablet 3-4 times a day.

Loratadine (Claritin) 1 tablet 1 time per day. Children 2-12 years old: 5 ml of syrup or 1/2 tablet once a day for a week

Diazolin 1 tablet 3 times a day.

Antipyretics

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs reduce fever, help get rid of headaches and sore throat, and reduce inflammation.

Paracetamol (Panadol, Efferalgan) 1 tablet 2-3 times a day, depending on the temperature.

Ibuprofen (Nurofen) 400 mg 3 times a day. Take while the temperature lasts.
For children, these same drugs are prescribed in the form of syrups. The dosage depends on the age and weight of the child.

Vitamins

The measles virus disrupts vitamin metabolism in the body and destroys vitamin A, which increases the risk of complications. Therefore, additional intake of vitamin preparations is necessary to protect against free radicals and normalize the functioning of cells damaged by the virus.

Vitamin A. For children over one year old and adults, 200,000 IU is administered once a day at intervals of 24 hours. 2 doses are enough for the course. For children under one year of age, the dose is 100,000 IU.

Vitamin C taken daily. Children 0.2 g and adults 0.6-0.8 g. The course of treatment is 7-10 days. After this, to strengthen the immune system, you need to take a vitamin complex for a month.

Symptomatic remedies

Eye drops will help with conjunctivitis sodium sulfacyl solution. Use 2-3 times a day, 1-2 drops in each eye. Duration of treatment is 5-7 days. This sulfanilamide the drug destroys bacteria that multiply on the eyelids.

For cough Ambroxol (Lazolvan, Halixol) 1 tablet 3 times a day. Continue treatment for 7-10 days. For children, the same drugs are prescribed in syrup, 5-10 ml, depending on age. These agents thin the mucus, making it less viscous and making it easier to remove.

Antibiotics

The doctor will prescribe antibiotics if measles is accompanied by a secondary bacterial infection. They inhibit the growth and reproduction of bacteria.

Sumamed (Azithromycin) tablets (500 mg) are taken once a day for 5-7 days.

Clarithromycin 500 mg 2 times a day intravenously. The course of treatment is 7-10 days.

Traditional methods of treating measles

Raspberry tea. Brew 1 tablespoon of dry raspberries with a glass of boiling water, cover and let steep for half an hour. Drink 150 ml 2-3 times a day, preferably adding honey. The product helps reduce fever and strengthen the immune system.

Decoction of linden flowers. 1 tbsp. Dried linden flowers pour 200 ml of boiling water and heat in a water bath for 10 minutes. Take half a glass before meals in the morning and evening. Flavonoids, phytoncides and essential oils reduce fever, treat cough, and eliminate intoxication.

Infusion of violet tricolor. Pour 2 tbsp into a thermos. dried violet flowers and 400 ml of boiling water. Leave for 1-2 hours. Strain the infusion and drink on an empty stomach in small portions throughout the day. Violet helps limit the spread of rashes, clears the blood of viruses, relieves abdominal pain and reduces fever.

Viburnum tea. Pour 1 tablespoon of dried viburnum berries into 200 ml of boiling water and leave in a thermos for 4-5 hours. You can use fresh berries: mash 2 tablespoons of the raw material and pour a glass of hot water. Take 4 tbsp. 3 times a day. Viburnum has an anti-inflammatory effect. Therefore, keep the infusion in your mouth for as long as possible. And the high content of vitamin C helps speed up recovery.

Infusion of garden parsley roots. Grind fresh or dry root and brew with boiling water at the rate of 1 tbsp. raw materials per glass of water. Wrap and leave for 4 hours. Drink 100 ml infusion 4 times a day before meals. This infusion helps reduce the rash and prevent its elements from merging. And thanks to the diuretic effect, it is possible to get rid of toxins.

Preventing measles

Is the measles vaccine effective?

The measles vaccine has been used in the world for more than 50 years. It is safe, effective and after its use the risk of serious complications is almost zero. Mass vaccination turned measles from a deadly disease into an ordinary childhood infection.

Mono-vaccines are available that contain only a weakened measles virus. It cannot cause illness, but it introduces the body to measles. After this, the immune system begins to produce antibodies. And if a person subsequently encounters a person with measles, then infection does not occur. The three-component measles, rubella and mumps vaccine (MMR) works on the same principle.

The first MMR vaccination at 12 months is given to all children who have no contraindications. But 15% of children may not develop immunity after this. Therefore, the second vaccination is given at 6 years of age before school. If vaccination was not done in childhood, it can be done as an adult.
In 5-10% of children, a reaction to the vaccine is possible that resembles a mild form of measles: These phenomena may appear 5-15 days after vaccination and disappear without treatment within 2-3 days. During this period, the child is not contagious and can visit the children's group.

slight increase in temperature;
runny nose;
cough;
conjunctivitis;
slight rash on the face.

How to protect yourself if someone in your family has measles?

If you are vaccinated against measles, then you are in virtually no danger. But it is still better to consult a doctor. He may recommend giving measles immune globulin to prevent infection. This must be done in the first 5 days from the moment of contact with the patient.

Measures to limit the spread of the measles virus. In conclusion, let us remind you once again that if you or your baby has a fever, runny nose, cough or rash, consult a doctor immediately. Timely treatment of measles will protect you from dangerous complications.

The patient should remain in his room until the 4th day from the onset of the rash.
If the patient needs to go out, he should wear a cotton-gauze or disposable mask covering the mouth and nose.
It is advisable for a family member who has been ill or who has been vaccinated to take care of the patient.
Provide the patient with separate dishes and a towel.
There is no need to disinfect the apartment, since the virus dies on its own after 2 hours. But wet cleaning 2 times a day is mandatory.
All family members should take vitamins, especially A and C.
If there is a child in the family who is not sick and not vaccinated, then he cannot visit the children's group from 8 to 17 days after contact with the sick person.

Measles in children is an extremely dangerous and common infection caused by a virus. It is transmitted by airborne droplets, is characterized by typical clinical manifestations and is severe.

After measles, children often experience complications leading to the formation of chronic pathology, including disability.

The cause of measles is the transmission of an RNA-containing paramyxovirus only from a sick person, that is, the pathology is anthroponotic. The measles virus quickly dies at room temperature, does not tolerate exposure to ultraviolet rays and antiseptics, and persists for a long time at low temperatures.

Microbes are transmitted through the air over long distances and penetrate the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract and eyeballs. Neurons and intestinal epithelium are also vulnerable. Infection through contact and household contact is rarely possible - through toys and other objects.

Features of the pathology:

Contact with an infected person is dangerous two days before signs of illness appear and within 5 days after the rash. A person with a weakened immune system sheds viruses for a longer period of time.
The peak incidence occurs during the cold periods of the year, with outbreaks recorded every 3–5 years.
The measles virus is highly aggressive, destroys red blood cells, and damages the walls of blood vessels. Germs settle and multiply in the lymph nodes, weakening the immune system.
Children under 10 years of age are affected, and sometimes adults. Babies under one year of age are rarely susceptible to this infection. Newborns can acquire the measles virus in utero from an ill mother.
After suffering from the disease, a person does not become infected again, as a strong immunity is developed. A weakened form of infection, or mitigated measles, is an exception. After it, it is possible to get sick again.

Measles in infants is often accompanied by the development of neurotoxicosis and other dangerous complications, often leading to death.

The development of measles in children under one year of age is explained by the following reasons:

the mother did not have measles and was not vaccinated against this infection;
the child is bottle-fed;
the baby has severe immunodeficiency of various etiologies.

Symptoms and stages

The signs of measles are:

severe intoxication;
catarrhal inflammation of the upper respiratory tract and mucous membranes of the eyes;
skin rashes of a maculopapular nature.

The disease occurs in several stages: incubation, prodrome, rash, pigmentation.

Incubation period

The incubation period for measles after contact with a source of infection lasts from a week to 17 days. At this time, the measles virus that has entered the body enters the epithelium of the upper respiratory tract into the blood and multiplies in the lymph nodes, but this does not manifest itself clinically. Only when it enters the blood again from the affected lymphoid tissue does catarrhal phenomena begin.

In the mitigated form and in a vaccinated child, the incubation period can be extended to three weeks. With reduced immune defense, the clinic develops during the first week after infection.

The baby is dangerous to others already two days before the onset of the disease. From the fifth day after the rash appears, the child is considered non-contagious, and visiting child care facilities is not contraindicated for him.

Prodrome

The first signs of measles are toxicosis and severe catarrhal symptoms. This period is difficult for children.

The following phenomena develop within 4-7 days:

Fever up to 40 degrees. At the height of the temperature rise, convulsive syndrome often develops and delirium appears. Headaches are often accompanied by vomiting.
Catarrhal syndrome in the form of bilateral conjunctivitis, blepharitis and rhinitis with copious mucous or purulent discharge.
In parallel, respiratory syndrome develops. A painful dry cough appears, gradually acquiring a wet character with the discharge of mucopurulent sputum. Due to swelling of the larynx, shortness of breath, hoarseness, and wheezing appear.

In addition, this stage is characterized by enlarged and painful neck lymph nodes, weakness, lack of appetite, intestinal dysfunction with vomiting and loose stools, and tearfulness.

Specific symptoms of measles include:

Belsky-Filatov spots - the appearance on the mucous membranes of the cheeks, lips, gums of small white dots surrounded by a red border;
spotted redness of the palate (enanthema).

These signs are caused by damage to the mucous membranes and allergization of the body under the influence of the virus. By detecting them, the pediatrician can make the correct diagnosis even before the rash appears.

Rash stage

After the catarrhal period, an exanthema, or rash, appears on the skin, which is the most important symptom of measles.

The measles rash lasts 3-5 days and is characterized by the following features:

elements in the form of spots or protruding nodules of pink-red color, reminiscent of hives;
a tendency for rashes to merge to form large, irregularly shaped spots;
uniform distribution throughout the body;
the skin background is not changed.

The first elements of the rash appear on the face, including in the area behind the ear, no earlier than 3-5 days after the onset of the disease. Gradually they spread downwards, covering successively the skin of the torso and legs.

Intoxication continues for several more days, but its severity decreases.

Pigmentation stage

The period of measles rashes ends with the appearance of light brown pigment spots, also gradually “sliding” from top to bottom. They have the following features:

lasts up to ten days;
when pressed with a finger, they do not change color and do not disappear;
As they turn pale, fine peeling appears.

The period of pigmentation usually marks the beginning of recovery. The child recovers completely within three weeks. This course of measles is typical.

How does atypical measles manifest itself in children? The mitigated form is typical for contact persons who have been administered measles immunoglobulin, and for children receiving glucocorticosteroids due to concomitant diseases. The infection passes without intoxication, with a dull and unstable rash.

Symptoms of measles in a vaccinated child appear only on the tenth day after infection. When the course is erased, they are not clearly expressed, so sometimes measles is confused with a common viral respiratory infection. The disease does not cause complications.

Which doctor treats measles in children?

If catarrhal symptoms appear in a child, parents should always contact a pediatrician, especially if they have contact with a patient with measles infection. During hospitalization, an infectious diseases specialist treats a small patient.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis of measles is based on taking a medical history, identifying possible contacts with the patient and a thorough medical examination. Considering the characteristic signs of the disease, this is often enough to identify the pathology.

Before the clinic appears and in case of an atypical course, data from laboratory blood tests for measles help in diagnosis.

Measles virus can be detected using serological methods:

a 4-fold increase in antiviral antibody titers two weeks after the onset of the disease;
increased content of specific immunoglobulins during enzyme immunoassay - changes in the immunogram can reveal asymptomatic measles.

Conducting virological studies will help determine the pathogen using blood culture, nasopharyngeal swabs for tissue cultures, or using special microscopy.

A general blood test reveals a decrease in leukocytes, ESR increases moderately. A general urinalysis (the appearance of leukocytes and protein), chest X-ray, and electroencephalography are also needed.

Treatment

Treatment of measles should begin as early as possible. In children, symptoms and treatment methods are interrelated - the choice of drugs is determined by the clinical picture. There are no drugs that directly destroy the virus. Therapy is aimed at relieving symptoms in order to improve the patient’s condition and strengthen his immune system.

How to treat uncomplicated measles? Drugs from the following groups are used:

antipyretics - Paracetamol, Nurofen;
antitussives for dry cough - Libexin;
hyposensitizing drugs - Tavegil, Claritin;
antiviral - Interferon, Viferon;
vitamin therapy - vitamin A, B vitamins and ascorbic acid;
immunomodulators - immunoglobulin.

For purulent-inflammatory complications, broad-spectrum antibiotics are prescribed. For lesions of the nervous system, diuretics (Mannitol) and vasoactive agents - Cavinton, Demiphosphon - are recommended.

Glucocorticosteroids (Dexamethasone), spasmodic and bronchodilators - No-shpa, Salbutamol, Eufillin - will help cope with respiratory disorders.

Drinking plenty of fluids (water, compotes, freshly squeezed juices, saline solutions) will help get rid of intoxication in mild cases of the disease. In severe cases, infusion therapy is performed.

Treatment of measles includes the following care rules:

bed rest until the temperature normalizes;
treating the eyes and mouth with decoctions of anti-inflammatory herbs and antiseptics, lips with vegetable oil several times a day;
rinsing the nasal passages and using vasoconstrictor drops;
ventilation of the room and wet cleaning at least twice a day;
a gentle diet consisting of vegetables, fruits, milk, cereals and lean meat, enriched with vitamins and microelements.

In cases of moderate severity and complicated course, young children are treated in the infectious diseases department.