Definition
Measles is a highly contagious infectious disease that is transmitted by viruses. Measles is characterized by two phases. The catarrhal stage is characterized by fever, conjunctivitis of the eyes, rhinitis and a special rash in the oral cavity called “Koplik spots”.
After a temporary defever, the exanthema stage follows. It is characterized by a high fever and a large-area rash, which usually starts behind the ears. You can find more information on this topic under: Measles
Causes
The cause of a measles infection is the “Morbilli” virus. Through finely distributed droplets in the air, the pathogen enters the body through inhalation and condemns measles. These fine droplets are produced by speaking, coughing and sneezing of a sick person.
Even brief contact over a distance of a few meters can lead to infection. The virus causes almost one hundred percent of infections and 95 percent of symptoms, making measles one of the most infectious diseases in Germany. They are most infectious five days before and four days after the rash.
Although the disease is highly contagious, the number of cases of the disease in Germany is declining. This is due to the fact that a great many people are vaccinated and thus no longer become infected. However, unprotected people can still become ill.
Associated symptoms
In addition to the main symptoms that define measles, there are other, sometimes very dangerous, accompanying symptoms. The catarrhal preliminary stage includes fever, conjunctivitis of the eyes, rhinitis and a very specific rash in the oral cavity. It is called “Koplik’s stain”, which looks like calcareous splashes on the oral mucosa and cannot be wiped away with a spatula.
After an intermediate defever, the disease phase of the large-area rash on the skin and increased fever follows. This rash often starts behind the patient’s ears and then spreads over the entire body. The accompanying redness subsides after four to five days, often accompanied by “bran-like” scaling of the skin.
Coughing and diarrhea can also occur. The more severe symptoms and accompanying diseases include middle ear and pneumonia, which can be caused by additional bacteria. Furthermore, the “measles croup” is a dreaded accompanying complaint.
It describes an inflammation of the larynx, which can cause scars on the vocal chords. Furthermore, measles can lead to various inflammations of the meninges and brain (meningoencephalitis), which are extremely dreaded. The more severe symptoms and accompanying diseases include middle ear and pneumonia, which can be caused by additional bacteria.
In addition, the “Maserkrupp” is a dreaded accompanying complaint. It describes an inflammation of the larynx, which can cause scars on the vocal chords. Furthermore, measles can lead to various inflammations of the meninges and brain (meningoencephalitis), which are extremely dreaded.
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