Measles (Bahmaroun) – Between Reality and Prevention
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| Measles (Bahmaroun) – Between Reality and Prevention |
Measles, also known in some regions as “Bahmaroun,” is a contagious viral disease that was once among the most widespread illnesses in the past, but it still exists in many parts of the world, especially in areas with low vaccination rates.
This disease is characterized by a distinctive skin rash, high fever, and cold-like symptoms at its onset, but it can be very dangerous, particularly for young children and adults who have not been vaccinated.
Although modern medicine has provided an effective vaccine against measles, cases still appear and, in some places, are increasing. This makes awareness and knowledge about the disease essential for protecting ourselves and our loved ones.
1. Causes of Measles Infection
Measles is a viral disease caused by the Measles morbillivirus, a highly contagious virus. It spreads primarily from person to person through:
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Respiratory droplets: When an infected person coughs or sneezes, tiny droplets carrying the virus are released into the air.
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Airborne transmission: The virus can remain suspended in the air for up to two hours after leaving the infected person’s body.
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Contact with contaminated surfaces: If a person touches a surface contaminated with the virus and then touches their mouth, nose, or eyes, they can become infected.
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Lack of immunity: People who have never had measles and have not been vaccinated are most at risk.
The virus is so contagious that 90% of unvaccinated people exposed to it will contract the disease.
2. Factors That Increase the Spread of Measles
Although the direct cause of infection is the measles virus, several factors contribute to its spread, including:
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Low vaccination rates:
When fewer people receive the measles vaccine, communities become more vulnerable to outbreaks. Some communities are influenced by anti-vaccine misinformation campaigns, leading some parents to avoid vaccinating their children. -
High population density:
Crowded areas, such as large cities or refugee camps, allow the disease to spread rapidly. -
Weak healthcare systems:
In countries with poor healthcare infrastructure, it is harder to detect and isolate cases, leading to more spread. -
Travel and international movement:
An infected person can easily carry the virus to another country, especially if their infection is not detected early. -
Malnutrition:
Children lacking vitamin A or suffering from poor nutrition are more likely to experience severe complications. -
Weakened immunity:
People with chronic illnesses or weakened immune systems are at higher risk of severe infection.
3. Symptoms of Measles
Measles symptoms appear after an incubation period of 7 to 14 days and develop in stages:
Stage 1 – Cold-like symptoms:
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Mild to high fever
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Dry cough
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Runny nose
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Red, watery eyes
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Small white spots inside the mouth, known as Koplik’s spots
Stage 2 – Skin rash:
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Rash usually starts on the face and behind the ears, then spreads to the rest of the body.
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Rash worsens over 3 days and is accompanied by a high fever.
Stage 3 – Gradual recovery:
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Rash begins to fade from the face downward to the feet.
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Fever gradually decreases, but the body may remain weak for a while.
4. Complications of Measles
While measles can seem mild in some cases, it can cause serious complications, especially in unvaccinated young children or adults, such as:
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Pneumonia (the most serious complication and leading cause of death from measles)
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Encephalitis (brain inflammation)
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Hearing loss
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Severe dehydration
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Vitamin A deficiency
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Death in severe cases
5. Prevention of Measles
Prevention is the strongest weapon against measles, and it includes:
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Vaccination:
The measles vaccine is usually given as part of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine.-
First dose: between 9–12 months of age
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Second dose: between 15–18 months of age
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Isolation of infected individuals:
An infected person should avoid contact with others for 4 days after the rash appears. -
Boosting immunity:
A healthy diet rich in vitamins, especially vitamin A. -
Health awareness:
Spreading accurate information about the vaccine and the dangers of the disease.
6. Treatment of Measles
There is no medicine that directly kills the measles virus, but treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing complications:
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Complete rest: staying in bed to help the body fight the virus.
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Drinking plenty of fluids: to replace fluids lost due to fever.
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Fever-reducing medication: such as paracetamol to lower fever and ease discomfort.
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Vitamin A: helps reduce complications, especially in children.
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Monitoring for complications: seek immediate medical help if there is difficulty breathing, seizures, or loss of consciousness.
Measles Between Reality and Prevention
Measles is not an extinct disease, as some may believe, but still threatens public health in many areas. While medicine has provided a safe and effective vaccine, negligence in vaccination, poor health awareness, and the spread of misinformation allow the disease to re-emerge in some communities.
The solution is clear: vaccination, education, and early detection of cases. Prevention is always better than cure—especially for contagious viral diseases like measles.