Measles Articles
Browse eMedTV's wide range of articles related to measles including topics such as mmr vaccine, cause of measles, and rubella. Use the search box at the top-right corner of the page to find information about other health topics.
Measles is a viral disease characterized by high fever, cough, and a red, blotchy rash. This portion of the eMedTV archives explains statistics about measles and discusses the transmission, symptoms, and possible complications of this disease.
Rubella, also called German measles, is a mild viral illness that is similar to measles. This eMedTV segment offers a detailed description of the causes, symptoms, transmission, and treatment of rubella.
Measles symptoms include high fever, hacking cough, swelling of the eyelids, and red, watery eyes. This eMedTV segment describes common measles symptoms and gives statistics about the mortality rate and possible complications of this disease.
The rubella virus is the cause of rubella (also known as German measles or three-day measles). This eMedTV article discusses the rubella virus in detail, including its history, incubation period, and transmission methods.
An MMR vaccine can help protect against measles, mumps, and rubella. This portion of the eMedTV archives describes these three diseases and explains how the MMR vaccine works, how it is administered, and who should get it.
The measles virus causes measles; however, this virus is inactivated by heat, light, and acidic pH. This eMedTV Web page explains the history and transmission of the measles virus and discusses the potential complications of measles.
The rubella vaccine has been available since 1969, and it is very successful at preventing rubella. This eMedTV article provides in-depth information on the rubella vaccine, including who should get it and who should not.
The history of measles dates back to before the 7th century A.D. This section of the eMedTV library focuses on the history of measles epidemics and how the development of the measles vaccine has changed it.
Congenital rubella syndrome is a condition that some babies develop after being exposed to the rubella virus in the womb. More information on congenital rubella syndrome is provided in this eMedTV article.
Possible MMR side effects include fever, hives, and dizziness. This eMedTV resource provides a list of common and uncommon side effects of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine, as well as a list of people who should avoid the vaccine.
Because there is no treatment to kill the measles virus, measles treatment focuses on relieving symptoms. This eMedTV Web page describes the different aspects of supportive care, including pain medications and intravenous fluids.
The cause of measles is the measles virus. This eMedTV resource outlines the history, statistics, and transmission of the cause of measles. This page also includes information on how long the measles virus can live in the air and on surfaces.
The measles vaccine has reduced the number of measles infections in the United States by over 99 percent. This eMedTV article provides an overview of measles transmission and explains why the vaccine is the best method for the prevention of measles.
Symptoms of rubella include swollen lymph glands, mild fever, and a red, blotchy rash. This eMedTV article lists other rubella symptoms and explains that about half the people who have rubella will not develop any symptoms.
The cause of rubella is simple -- it's the rubella virus. This eMedTV article provides an overview of this virus, offering detailed information on how it is transmitted and how it can be dangerous to fetuses. This page also covers rubella prevention.
Since there is no cure for rubella, treatment generally consists of rest, fluids, and medication. As this eMedTV segment explains, rubella treatment is aimed at providing relief from symptoms while the body fights the infection.
The measles prognosis is usually good, as this eMedTV article explains. However, in developing countries, measles is the leading cause of blindness. This resource talks about complications of measles as well as the prognosis for the disease.
Measles transmission usually occurs through the cough or sneeze of an infected person. This portion of the eMedTV archives discusses measles transmission, explains the incubation period, and gives statistics on who is most likely to develop measles.
Rubella can be prevented by a vaccine. As this eMedTV article explains, the vaccine may be used alone, or it may be part of a combination vaccine that also prevents measles and mumps. This page discusses the prevention of rubella in detail.
When diagnosing measles, your doctor will perform a physical exam and ask about your medical history. This eMedTV page discusses tests that may be used and other conditions that a doctor will rule out before diagnosing measles.