How to spot and put a stop to measles

MANILA, Philippines - In light of the recent measles outbreak that has spread over Metro Manila and nearby provinces, it’s about time we Filipinos learned more about this highly contagious disease. Leading health institution Makati Medical Center lets us in on what we need to know about the country’s latest health nemesis.

A respiratory disease caused by a virus, measles normally grows in the cells that line the back of the throat and lungs. “This causes the patient to have fever, runny nose, cough, and rashes all over the body,” explains Johnny Sinon, MD, head of MakatiMed’s Emergency Department. “Although most cases are typically manageable, there are some that require immediate medical attention because the symptoms have reached a life-threatening level.”

About 30 percent of measles can develop into one or more complications, he says, such as pneumonia, which is the most common cause of death in young children; ear infections that may result in permanent loss of hearing; and diarrhea, which is reported in about eight percent of cases. Measles may also cause miscarriages among pregnant women, or lead to a premature birth or a low-birth-weight baby.

“Measles is so contagious that any child who is exposed to it and is not immune will most likely get the disease,” Dr. Sinon warns. “Even just the breathing, coughing, or sneezing of an infected individual can cause the virus to spread.” And so one can imagine how easy it can be for a measles outbreak to happen. “It starts when majority of the people in a certain area are susceptible to it. An outbreak can last for a few days or a week, or even for several years.”  People with measles are contagious four days before the rash appears so you can see how easy it is to get infected.

As with the recent outbreak that started in Metro Manila, patients admitted at MakatiMed were placed in isolation rooms to prevent the disease from infecting others. “This is a highly infectious disease we’re talking about, with no specific treatment,” Dr. Sinon points out. “The treatment administered to patients is mainly supportive: paracetamol for fever, antihistamines for the itchiness, and antibiotics for those with secondary bacterial infections.”

As per the Department of Health (DOH), efforts for preventive measures, and to make more Filipinos aware of the disease are still being done — one of which is a campaign on timely vaccinations, which is still the best precaution to take. “Ensuring that children get the routine measles vaccine at one and four years old will provide the necessary protection against the disease,” Dr. Sinon stresses.

He adds, “The measles vaccine has been available for over 40 years already, and it is safe, effective, and inexpensive. Filipinos, particularly parents, need to be aware of this, as having a large number of unvaccinated children greatly increases the risk of more infections and deaths.”

Dr. Sinon offers practical tips for parents on mindfulness and quick action. “Familiarize yourself with the common symptoms of measles, particularly the type of rash it produces. The measles rash is usually reddish-brown, and can be blotchy in appearance — and it typically shows up first on the forehead before spreading downwards. Don’t hesitate to bring your child to the doctor if they exhibit the symptoms and rash.”