Know more about measles

MANILA, Philippines - There have been various reports on the outbreak of measles cases in various parts of the country. Last year, the Department of Health recorded 1,724 cases nationwide. This year, measles victims have been identified in Metro Manila and it is becoming alarming since children are the main victims of the disease.

To prevent you or your children from acquiring measles, MediCard, a leading health maintenance organization, gives you more information about it.

Measles is one of the world’s contagious diseases caused by the virus called paramyxovirus that grows in cells at the back of the throat and lungs.

Measles is an air-borne disease that’s why it spreads quickly. You can acquire it when you are near someone who is infected by the virus, even if that person does not cough or sneeze directly on you.

The symptoms appear seven to 14 days after the person was exposed to the virus. Fever, runny nose, sore red eyes and white spots with bluish centers inside the mouth are some of the first signs of measles. Few days after, a red blotchy rash will appear that usually starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body.

When you are affected by the disease, it is advisable to rest and drink a lot of water to keep you hydrated. To prevent further spread of disease in your household, isolate or quarantine yourself from people for at least four days after the rashes appeared.

Measles may be serious and have possible complications such as ear infections, pneumonia, and diarrhea.

To avoid having the disease, it is important to take preventive measures such as having your children vaccinated twice — first after six to 12 months after birth and 12 to 18 months for the completion of the vaccine.

Stop the spread of measles by also eating vitamin C-rich foods and sleeping at least eight hours a day for stronger body resistance.

When you suspect that your child has measles, bring him or her to a pediatrician. MediCard has free-standing clinics which provide only the best doctors and offer affordable healthcare services compared to five-star hospitals around the metro.

For more information on MediCard, log on to www.medicardphils.com, contact MediCard at 884-9999 or e-mail at [email protected].