May 26, 2012
Topics A-Z Infections Signs and Symptoms of measles.
Signs and Symptoms of measles. |
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Dear Ask The Doctor: I need to find out why you suffer abdominal pains, a temperature, a cough and vomiting when you have measles. I have look for about a month online at all different health websites and I cant find anything. Please could you help? Thanks. Laura James. Dear Laura: So, here`s your information about measles you requested : Measles (rubeola) is an infection caused by a virus. Measles virus infection can cause a variety of clinical syndromes and may effect the respiratory system, the brain, gastrointestinal system, skin and the heart. After the virus enters into the system via the respiratory mucosa or conjunctivae, it replicates and then spreads to different parts of the body. This period where the virus is replicating is known as the incubation period and is usually 8-10 days. Infected individuals are usually asymptomatic during the incubation period. As the virus spreads to different parts of the body, it coincides with the appearance of symptoms signaling the beginning of the prodromal phase. The symptoms typically include fever, malaise, and anorexia, followed by conjunctivitis, coryza, and cough. The respiratory symptoms are due to inflammation of the lining of the respiratory system from viral infection of epithelial cells. Patients may also develop Koplik`s spots ( a whitish-greyish spot on the buccal mucosa opposite the molar teeth, a characteristic feature of the disease).A characteristic rash of measles develops which begins on the face and then spreads downwards to involve the neck, upper trunk, lower trunk, and extremities. Clinical improvement typically ensues within 48 hours of the appearance of the rash. After three to four days the rash darkens to a brownish color and begins to fade, followed by peeling of the skin. The rash usually lasts six to seven days. The measles virus can also effect the gastrointestinal system causing diarrhea, gastroenteritis, hepatitis, mesenteric lymphadenitis and appendicitis. Immunity after measles infection is thought to be lifelong, a rarely does a reinfection occur. I hope I was able to answer your question. |
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| Last Updated ( Thursday, 12 January 2012 ) |
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