Define Rubeola

Rubeola, also known as measles, is one of the many cases of science's triumph over disease. It is a troublesome and easily transmitted virus that has the ability to kill. Fortunately, a vaccine has been developed to help the human body fight off the virus.

Contamination

• Measles is an extremely infectious viral respiratory illness spread by contact with an infected individual's mucus. The mucus can be spread through coughing and sneezing, but even contact with infected surfaces can result in transmission.

Symptoms

• Because the virus attacks the respiratory system, fever, coughing and a runny nose are common symptoms. An infected person may also feel general aches and pains from the infection. The most telling sign of measles, however, is a red rash that breaks out all over the body.

Secondary Infection

• The primary symptoms of measles are not normally life threatening but because the respiratory system is compromised, pneumonia, ear infections and brain encephalitis can develop after infection, especially in children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), measles kills around 1 million children every year.

Treatment

• Measles cannot be treated and must run its course since it is a viral infection. Most treatments will involve preventive measures to avoid a secondary infection.

Prevention

• Measles in the United States has been a rare occurrence ever since the MMR vaccine was created. This injection effectively prevents measles, mumps and rubella (German measles). However, infections are still fairly common in developing and third world countries.