Dear colleagues and students,
Recently a few cases of Measles were reported in Macao.To raise our awareness and to protect ourselves.
Clinical features
Affected persons will present initially with fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and white spots inside the mouth. This is followed 3 to 7 days later by a red blotchy skin rash, which usually spreads from face to the rest of the body. The rash usually lasts 4 - 7 days, but can persist for up to 3 weeks leaving with brownish staining and sometimes fine skin peeling. In severe cases, lung, gut and brain can get involved and lead to serious consequences or even death.
Mode of transmission
This can be transmitted airborne by droplet spread or by direct contact with nasal or throat secretions of infected persons, and less commonly, by articles soiled with nasal or throat secretions. Measles is one of the most highly communicable infectious diseases. The patient can pass the disease to other persons from 4 days before to 4 days after appearance of the rash.
Incubation period
It usually ranges from 7 - 18 days, but can be up to 21 days.
Management
Affected persons should avoid contact with non-immune persons, especially those with weakened immunity, pregnant women and infants. Although there is no specific treatment, drugs may be prescribed to reduce the symptoms and antibiotics may be used to treat bacterial complications.
Prevention
1. Maintain good personal hygiene
2. Maintain good environmental hygiene
3. Immunisation
Vaccination against measles is the most effective preventive measure.
Please visit the website of Health Bureau of Government of Macao S.A.R.for more information
http://www.ssm.gov.mo/portal/
Source: Center for Health Protection,Department of Health, Government of the H.K.S.A.R.http://www.chp.gov.hk/en/content/9/24/2117.html
Thank you for your attention.
Office of Health, Safety and Environmental Affairs |