Measles+&+Rubella

= ** Measles and Rubella ** = = **Measles** = **Cause:** virus know as a paramyxovirus

**Symptoms:**
 * Cough
 * Fever
 * Muscle pain
 * Bloodshot eyes and sensitivity
 * Total body skin rash
 * Runny nose
 * Sore throat
 * Tiny white spots inside the mouth (Koplik's spots)

**What does the measles rash look like?** The measles rash typically has a red or reddish brown blotchy appearance, and first usually shows up on the forehead, then spreads downward over the face, neck, and body, then down to the arms and feet.

**Treatment:** No known treatment to cure measles. Vaccine to prevent this disorder is given at 12-15 months of age and then again at age 4-6 years.

To help relieve symptoms:
 * Bed rest
 * Humidified Air
 * Acetaminophen(Tylenol)

= Rubella =

**Cause:** virus know as a the rubella virus (**not** the same virus that causes measles)

**What is it?** An infection that primarily affects the skin and lymph nodes

**Who does it normally infect?** -Children (generally mild) -Pregnant women; therefore, passing through the bloodstream and infecting the unborn baby

**Symptoms:**
 * Swollen, tender lymph nodes
 * Fever
 * Rash: beginning at face and then spreading downward

**What does the rubella rash look like?** The rubella rash can look like many other viral rashes. It appears as either light red or pink spots, which may merge to form evenly colored patches. The rash can itch and usually lasts up to three days. As it clears, the affected skin occasionally sheds in very fine flakes.



**Dangers/Complications:**

Rubella in a pregnant woman can cause congenital rubella syndrome, which can potentially cause devastating consequences for the developing fetus. Children who are infected with rubella before birth are at risk for: improperly developed fetus, mental disabilities, malformations of the heart and eyes; deafness; and liver, spleen, and bone marrow problems.

**Contagiousness**

The rubella virus passes from person to person through tiny drops of fluid from the nose and throat. Someone who is infected but has no symptoms can still spread the virus.

**Prevention** Rubella can be prevented by the rubella vaccine. The vaccine is usually given to children at 12-15 months of age as part of the scheduled meales-mumps-rubella immunization. A second dose of MMR is generally given at 4-6 years of age.