Common Complications of Measles - Who is susceptible to complications from measles?

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted by BSCK II, Senior Doctor Tran Khac Dien - General Health Examination Unit, Vinmec Times City International General Hospital.
Measles is an acute infectious disease that spreads quickly and easily becomes an epidemic. Children are often infected because of their weak resistance, if not treated promptly, complications of measles can seriously affect their health.

1. How to recognize measles?

The first symptoms of measles are similar to those of the virus, including: Cough, fever, upper respiratory tract cystitis, keratitis... On the 3rd to 5th day of illness, the The rash appears in order from top to bottom. The rash is dark red, turns brown until completely disappears, and can leave the appearance of tiger skin stripes on the skin.

2. Complications of common measles

Complications of measles include:
Acute otitis media/ Bronchopneumonia: This is the most common complication. Severe pneumonia: The cause is often due to superinfection with other bacteria, the time to appear complications is often late after the rash or may be at the same time during the release. Manifestations include: high fever, severe infection symptoms, crackles when listening to the lungs, blood count showing elevated white blood cells, X-ray images showing scattered faint nodules in two lung fields.

Encephalitis - meningoencephalitis: Is a complication of the central nervous system, can be fatal and cause many serious sequelae later. Complications of measles appear in the first week of the rash. Manifestations include: high fever, convulsions, urinary retention, bedwetting, impaired consciousness leading to coma. The dangerous thing is that when there is a complication of encephalitis, after the child passes the danger of life, it also leaves many serious physical and mental sequelae later. Gastrointestinal complications: Oral mucositis, latent bacterial superinfection due to a gangrene bacteria causing necrosis of the oral mucosa, appearance of foul-smelling breath.. , enteritis with diarrhea is often more severe than other viral diarrhea. Eye complications - corneal ulcers: Can be seen in children with malnutrition, vitamin A deficiency, this complication can leave permanent blindness sequelae. Post-measles malnutrition. Miscarriage, premature birth when infected with measles in pregnant women. Those who are susceptible to complications from measles include:
Children: The younger the age, the higher the risk of complications. Children are malnourished and immunocompromised. Vitamin A deficiency.

3. How to care for a patient with measles

Measles is an infectious disease caused by the measles virus. This disease is easily spread through the respiratory tract, contact with secretions of an infected person. Therefore, when in contact with sick people, it is necessary to wear a mask and wash hands properly. The disease often occurs in young children, especially children who have not been vaccinated or vaccinated with insufficient numbers of vaccines, there are also cases of fully vaccinated but not creating suitable immunity.

General principles: There are four principles that are:
First treat the symptoms of cough, fever, runny nose, red eyes and mouth ulcers.
The second is to provide adequate nutrients, good personal hygiene, located in a cool isolated room, avoiding drafts.
The third is vitamin A supplementation, depending on the age, the amount of vitamin A added will vary.
And finally, it is necessary to monitor severe signs that require immediate medical attention.
Currently at Vinmec International General Hospital, there is a single measles vaccine MVVAC 10 doses/5 ml, provided by the Vietnam Center for Research and Production of Vaccines and Medical Biologicals.
Vaccination service at Vinmec hospital system has many advantages such as:
Experienced and professional team of pediatric doctors and nurses who understand children's psychology and apply effective pain relief methods for children during the process. vaccination. Children will be examined by specialists in Pediatrics - Vaccines, fully screened for physical and health problems, advised on preventive vaccines and injection regimens, how to monitor and care for children. after vaccination before giving the indication for vaccination according to the latest recommendations of the Ministry of Health & World Health Organization to ensure the best effectiveness and safety for children. 100% of vaccinated children were monitored for 30 minutes after vaccination and reassessed before leaving. Underwent general supervision before, during and after vaccination at Vinmec Health System and always have an emergency team ready to coordinate with the vaccination department to handle cases of anaphylaxis, respiratory failure - circulatory arrest, ensuring Ensure timely and correct handling when incidents occur. Vaccines are imported and stored in a modern cold storage system, with a cold chain that meets GSP standards, keeping vaccines in the best conditions to ensure quality. Parents will receive a reminder message before the vaccination date and their child's vaccination information will be synchronized with the national immunization information system.

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References from the Central Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology