Hello!

 

Recently, there have been Measles Outbreaks across the country in Korea. Please check your status of immunization against measles. If you have never received vaccinations against measles, please visit a local hospital or stop by the Healthcare Room for further information. 

 

Here are some general information about Measles.

 

What are the measles?

 

Measles, or rubeola, is a viral infection of the respiratory system. Measles is a very contagious disease that can spread through contact with infected mucus and saliva. An infected person can release the infection into the air when they cough or sneeze. Drinking from an infected person’s glass, or sharing eating utensils with an infected person, increases your risk of infection.

 

Contact a doctor immediately if you suspect you have measles. If you have not received a measles vaccine and you come into contact with an infected person, visit your doctor to receive a measles vaccine within 72 hours of contact to prevent infection. You can also prevent an infection with a dose of immunoglobulin taken within six days of contact with an infected person.

 

 

What are the symptoms of measles?

 

Symptoms of measles generally appear within 14 days of exposure to the virus. Symptoms include:

 

- cough

- fever

- red eyes

- light sensitivity

- muscle aches

- runny nose

- sore throat

- white spots inside the mouth

- A widespread skin rash is a classic sign of measles. This rash can last up to seven days and generally appears within the first three to five days of exposure to the virus.

- A measles rash, which appears as red, itchy bumps, commonly develops on the head and slowly spreads to other parts of the body.

 

 

Who is at risk for measles?

 

Measles primarily occurs in unvaccinated children and adults. Some parents choose not to vaccinate their children for fear that vaccines will have adverse effects on their children. Most children and adults who receive a measles vaccine do not experience side effects.

 

 

How can measles be diagnosed?

 

Your doctor can confirm measles by examining your skin rash and checking for symptoms that are characteristic of the disease, such as white spots in the mouth, fever, cough, and sore throat.

 

 

How to treat measles?

 

There is no prescription medication to treat measles. The virus and symptoms typically disappear within two to three weeks. However, your doctor may recommend:

 

- acetaminophen to relieve fever and muscle aches

- rest to help boost your immune system

- plenty of fluids (six to eight glasses of water a day)

- humidifier to ease a cough and sore throat

- vitamin A supplements

  

 

 How to prevent measles?

 

You cannot get measles more than once. After you’ve had the virus, you are immune for life.

 

Immunizations can help prevent a measles outbreak. The MMR vaccine is a three-in-one vaccination that can protect you and your children from the measles, mumps, and rubella (German measles).

 

Children can receive their first MMR vaccination at 12 months, or sooner if traveling internationally, and their second dose between the ages of 4 and 6. Adults who have never received an immunization can request the vaccine from their doctor.

 

If you or a family member contracts the measles virus, limit interaction with others. This includes staying home from school or work and avoiding social activities.