Understanding Measles: History, Risks, and Treatment (Kid's Corner with Dr. Liz Ep. 11)

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Measles circulates cyclically, and there are on average around 180 cases in the U.S. annually. Measles is usually a self-limited illness with very rare side effects if it affects a child living in a developed country. However, it poses a much higher risk in developing countries, where poor sanitation and malnutrition, particularly vitamin A deficiency, contribute to more severe cases and higher death rates. Some reports of death rates for measles include data from developing countries, and should not be extrapolated to the U.S. or other developed countries. Vaccine decisions should take this information into account.

Treatment for measles includes high dose Vitamin A (50,000-400,000 IU) per day for two days. Vitamin C is an excellent antiviral and adequate Vitamin D levels are also protective. Dr. Mumper also shares details about the incubation period and symptoms of measles, which typically lasts 7-10 days, and common complications such as diarrhea and ear infections. Serious complications like pneumonia and encephalitis are rare.

Dr. Mumper explains the issues with getting a MMR vaccine or booster during a measles outbreak, including that they have been shown to decrease Vitamin A levels for 9-14 days after vaccination, which can be detrimental to how children fare with a case of measles. The vast majority of measles deaths in developing countries, and of measles hospitalizations in the U.S., involve individuals who have low vitamin A levels.

Most measles deaths have been rare in developed countries since the 1950s, largely due to improvements in sanitation and nutrition. The MMR vaccine was introduced in 1963, prior to which deaths from measles had already declined rapidly. The third episode in this series on measles will examine some of the controversy about MMR vaccines.

References on IMA website.

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