How measles is transmitted
ORANJESTAD – Measles is a highly contagious viral disease easily transmitted from person to person.
For some, a measles infection can cause significant complications and even death. A person infected with measles can infect 15-20 others at once.
Measles affects the respiratory system and then spreads throughout the body. Symptoms include high fever, coughing, runny nose, small white spots in the mouth, and a rash that begins on the face and spreads over the entire body.
Measles is transmitted from person to person through the air or surfaces. When coughing or sneezing, a person releases fine droplets that remain airborne, for a while before settling on a surface. When these droplets are in the air, a person can breathe them in through the nose or pick up from a surface with their hand and transfer them to their mouth, nose, or eyes. A person is infectious from the onset of symptoms (4 days before the rash appears) until four days after the rash appears.
You can do several things to reduce the risk of transmitting or contracting measles:
- Cough or sneeze into a tissue or do this into the elbow;
- Dispose of used tissues immediately in the trash;
- Wash hands frequently with water and soap;
- Do not share cups, utensils, napkins, clothing, or bedding.
Measles can lead to significant complications if it spreads to other body parts, such as the lungs and brain.
Complications that can arise include:
- Pneumonia;
- Meningitis;
- Blindness;
- Seizures.
Unvaccinated children, pregnant women, or those with a compromised (weak) immune system are most vulnerable to developing complications.
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