Measles

Question 1

How is measles spread?

Answer 1

By droplets

Question 2

What is the incubation period of measles?

Answer 2

10-14 days

Question 3

When is it infective?

Answer 3

From prodrome to 4 days after rash starts

Question 4

What are the features of prodrome?

Answer 4

Irritable, conjunctivitis and fever

Question 5

What can you get inside the mouth and do they occur before or during the rash?

Answer 5

Koplik spots.

They occur before the rash.

Question 6

Describe the rash that occurs in measles.

Answer 6

It starts behind the ears and then spreads to the whole body.

It is a discrete maculopapular rash.

Question 7

What are some complications of measles?

Answer 7

• Encephalitis: typically occurs 1-2 weeks following the onset of the illness)
• Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis: very rare, may present 5-10 years following the illness
• Febrile convulsions
• Giant cell pneumonia
• Keratoconjunctivitis, corneal ulceration
• Diarrhoea
• Increased incidence of appendicitis
• Myocarditis

Question 8

If a child has not been immunized against measles but then comes into contact with measles, what should be done?

Answer 8

Offer them the MMR within 72 hours of contact.

(vaccine-induced measles antibody develops more rapidly than that following natural infection)

Question 9

Does measles cause impotency?

Answer 9

No MUMPS does!!!

Question 10

What is the school exclusion criteria for measles?

Answer 10

4 days from onset of rash.