Measles outbreak in Mumbai: Recognise the symptoms and prevent your children from the contagious disease

After a sudden outbreak of measles in Maharashtra including Mumbai process of vaccination has been accelerated in the state. 

What is measles and what are its symptoms 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, measles is an infection caused by a virus and affects mostly children. It is a contagious disease and can spread from one infected child to another. Its symptoms appear 10 to 14 days after coming in contact with the virus which are mostly high fever, cough, runny nose and conjunctivitis. Red flat rashes or spots on the face are also some of them. 

Take these measures in case of measles 

According to the National Health service (NHS UK), one can take these measures if a child is suffering from measles. 

• Do not let another child come near an infected child
• Feed the infected child/patient with plenty of water and liquids
• Clean the infected person’s body with wet cotton
• Patient must take medicines prescribed by a doctor only
• Cleanliness and hygiene must be taken care of
• Care taker must wash hands thoroughly before and after attending the patient

Vaccine is the only way to prevent measles 

Till now no medicine has been prepared for measles, so the only way to keep your child away from this disease is to get vaccinated. To protect children from measles, they are given 2 shots of measles vaccine. 

Also watch: Conjunctivitis: Common symptoms and prevention