Infectious disease doctor told about the peculiarities of measles in adults

Both children and adults can get measles, and in the latter it can cause severe complications, especially if contracted after the age of 30, Vladimir Neronov, MD, infectious diseases doctor at JSC "Medicine" (clinic of Academician Roitberg), told "Izvestia" on November 28.

According to him, among the complications can be pneumonia, encephalitis, hepatitis and other serious pathologies, some of which can even lead to death.

"Measles can be contracted through airborne droplets, when the virus is transmitted in microdroplets of the patient's saliva. A contact way of infection is also possible, when saliva gets on mucous membranes through hands or objects", - specified Neronov.

The doctor noted that the peculiarity of measles is its extreme contagiousness: almost all unvaccinated people who have been in contact with the patient become infected. With the decline in collective immunity caused by refusals of vaccination, violations of vaccination schedule and weakening of immune response in the previously vaccinated, the incidence of measles is increasing, which causes alarm among specialists, he added.

As the infectious disease specialist explained, the development of measles in adults goes through four stages. The incubation period lasts up to 14 days, sometimes up to 21 if immunoglobulin has been administered. During this period, there are no symptoms, but the person can already infect others.

"Then comes the catarrhal stage, reminiscent of ARI (acute respiratory disease. - Ed.): the temperature rises, there is a runny nose and cough, a person feels weak. In addition, there may be symptoms of conjunctivitis," said the doctor.

The rash, the main manifestation of measles, appears five days after the first symptoms. Red spots are found first on the face, in the area behind the ears, and then spread to the whole body.

"At the end of the disease, the rash gradually disappears, the temperature drops, and the patient is no longer contagious. However, even after recovery, immunity remains weakened, which increases the risk of bacterial complications," Neronov emphasized.

Diagnosis of measles is based on the clinical picture and laboratory tests, said the specialist. Doctors pay attention to the gradual appearance of the rash and specific Filatov-Koplik spots on the mucous membranes. To confirm the diagnosis, immunological methods are used, such as the determination of IgM antibodies to the virus.

"Treatment of measles is aimed at alleviating symptoms. For this purpose, antipyretics and anti-inflammatory drugs, cough preparations, moisturizing eye drops and vasoconstrictive sprays for runny nose are used. The patient needs bed rest and plenty of water to prevent dehydration," explained Neronov.

However, in case of severe course may require hospitalization, where detoxification and supportive therapy. There are no specific drugs against the virus, so the body copes with the infection on its own with the support of symptomatic treatment, the doctor added.

"The main method of measles prevention remains vaccination. In Russia, vaccinations against it are given in childhood, but over time immunity weakens. Adults are recommended to be re-vaccinated at 30-35 years of age to maintain protection. Two vaccinations are given three months apart to build up persistent immunity. Vaccines contain weakened virus, which is safe for humans, but causes the production of antibodies," said the infectious disease specialist.

At the same time, a vaccinated person can also fall ill, but the disease will be mild and will not lead to complications. At the same time, vaccination is contraindicated in cases of pregnancy, severe immunodeficiencies, oncology and other conditions that limit the capabilities of the immune system, the expert emphasized. But for most people, vaccination remains the most effective way to protect against this disease.

"Measles in adults is not only high fever and rash. It is a disease that can entail severe health consequences, so it is important not only to recognize the symptoms in time and consult a doctor, but also to take care of prevention in advance, especially in conditions of increasing incidence. Timely vaccination allows you to avoid the disease and keep healthy even in case of contact with infected people", - concluded Neronov.

Earlier, on October 23, pediatrician Maryam Sayfulina told Izvestia that pneumonia is one of the most serious diseases that can cause many complications and even lead to death. It can masquerade as other diseases, such as tuberculosis or lung cancer, which makes its diagnosis particularly important.