Printed From:
Printed From:
Measles is a highly contagious, serious disease that is normally passed through direct contact and through the air. The virus infects the respiratory tract, and can then spread through the body.1
Immunization is the best way to protect you and your children from measles. Since the introduction of the vaccine to Israel in 1967, there has been a steady decline in the number of patients, but there are still outbreaks of the disease, which occur mainly in populations that do not vaccinate their children and as a result of importing the disease from abroad.2
The measles vaccination is typically given in childhood in 2 doses, which confers life time protection.2 Measles is very contagious and can be easily transmitted when you have contact with someone who is infected. If you or your children have not been vaccinated and have never had measles, you’re at risk of infection.5
Travelers who were infected abroad may bring measles into Israel, which could result in outbreaks in communities despite the high immune coverage.2
Symptoms typically appear 7 to 18 days after exposure to the measles virus. Initial symptoms include:6
A red blotchy rash may develop on the face and spread down the body after 3 to 7 days.6 Most people recover fully from measles within 2 to 3 weeks. However, measles can be especially dangerous for infants and those with weakened immune systems.6
The virus can live in your nose, mouth, eyes and on your skin. It spreads very easily, and is highly contagious.5
The measles virus can be transmitted:5
The virus can be spread to others from 4 days before the rash starts until 4 days after the rash appears body.6 The virus is most often spread when people first get sick or before they know they have measles.6
Measles can be prevented through receiving 2 doses of the measles-containing vaccine.2
The measles vaccine is part of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) or measles-mumps-rubella-varicella (MMRV) immunization. These combination vaccinations are given to children at 12 month of age, and again at 1st grade of school, as part of the immunization program.3
The measles vaccine is very effective. Side effects of the vaccination are typically very mild and tend to go away within a few days.3
Due to a high vaccine coverage rate in Israel, cases of measles are mostly expected among unvaccinated people.2
For those planning to travel abroad, visit your healthcare provider at least 6 weeks before you leave to discuss if the measles vaccine is appropriate for you and your children.4
No specific treatment is available for measles; most people fully recover within 2 to 3 weeks.6 If you have measles, you should stay at home until at least 4 days after the rash appeared to help limit the spread of the virus.6 Medical advice is recommended for the onset of symptoms. For further information regarding measles and immunization, please speak with your healthcare provider.
REFERENCES
