Children across the country are being infected with measles. Although this disease is preventable, infection can lead to various complications, even death. Vaccination can protect children from measles.
Former head of the Department of Paediatrics at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Prof Dr Lutfunnesa, told The Daily Star that measles is a highly contagious airborne disease that spreads rapidly through breathing, sneezing and coughing. Its rate of infection, or reproduction, is much higher than that of Covid. A person infected with measles can transmit the virus to 12 to 18 healthy individuals.
She said that although more than 90 percent of people in Bangladesh receive the first dose of the measles vaccine, there is a degree of complacency regarding the second dose. Many parents forget to administer the second dose at 15 months after giving the first dose at nine months. In many cases, when mothers become pregnant again, the importance of giving the second dose to the previous child is overlooked or neglected.
Regarding treatment, the expert warned that there is still no specific medicine for measles; treatment mainly focuses on managing complications caused by the disease. Measles can lead to life-threatening risks such as pneumonia and encephalitis (brain infection) in children. There is also a risk of dryness or ulceration of the cornea in the eyes. In such cases, high doses of vitamin A and specialised eye ointments are used. Antibiotics may be required if secondary bacterial infections occur.
Prof Lutfunnesa said children are usually born with measles antibodies from their mothers, which provide protection for about nine months. This is why the first vaccine dose is given at nine months and the second at 15 months in Bangladesh. However, due to superstition among certain groups, there is still reluctance to vaccinate. These “pocket communities” or small unvaccinated groups can carry the virus and later contribute to larger outbreaks.
Frequently asked questions
What are the symptoms of measles?
Measles affects the respiratory system. Symptoms in children include fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes and sore throat. A reddish rash (reddish spots) appear on the body, usually starting from the forehead and spreading across the body.
Children with measles may require hospitalisation. Many patients may develop ear infections, pneumonia, encephalitis (brain inflammation), and in pregnant women, various complications can occur.
What is measles and why does it occur?
Measles is a contagious viral disease caused by the rubeola virus. It spreads primarily through respiratory infection.
When an infected person coughs or sneezes, the virus mixes with the air, and healthy individuals can become infected by inhaling it or through close contact.
The measles virus can survive in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours.
Children with vitamin A deficiency or weak immune systems are at the highest risk of infection.
How to protect children from measles?
The only way to prevent measles is through the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. If infected, medical advice must be sought.
Is the measles vaccine safe?
The measles vaccine is very safe. In most cases, there are no side effects. However, mild fever or slight pain at the injection site may occur. Severe allergic reactions are extremely rare.
What if vaccination is delayed?
It is never too late to get vaccinated. If your child has missed the vaccine, consult a doctor as soon as possible and ensure vaccination. This is the most important way to protect a child from the disease.
Side effects of the vaccine
The measles vaccine is safe and globally recognised. However, like any medicine, it may have some common and temporary side effects. A mild fever may occur within 5–12 days after vaccination. Mild reddish rash may appear, which usually disappears on its own within 2–3 days. Slight redness, pain or swelling at the injection site may occur. In rare cases, allergic reactions may happen.
Advice
If a child cries or develops a slight fever after vaccination, do not panic. Consult a doctor.
