Contagion with the virus can pose a threat to eye health
THE measles it’s a viral infectious disease which can lead to death. Its transmission occurs through the air, from person to person. This can happen when the patient coughs, talks, sneezes, or breathes near other people. The most effective way to contain measles is through vaccination.
Although the vaccine is available free of charge through the SUS and is included in the National Vaccination Calendar, the reduction in vaccination incidence has a negative impact on the eradication of the disease. In this sense, the measles situation in Brazil is alarming. According to a study conducted by the Pan American Health Organization, PAHO, in 86% of the country’s cities the risk of contracting the disease is high.
According to ophthalmologist Leôncio Queiroz Neto, of the Penido Burnier Institute, measles affects more children, the elderly and immunocompromised people. “Caused by Morbillivirus, measles is highly contagious contagious and the only way to prevent it is to acquire active immunity by taking the vaccine,” he points out.
The doctor explains that the disease can also directly affect the eyes. This is because in the first months of life the measles virus can reach the child’s cornea. This ocular tissue functions as a transparent outer lens of the eye that accounts for 60% of the refraction.
Know the symptoms of keratitis
Therefore, it is important to pay special attention and attention to the baby’s eyes. In cases where recurrent redness, deviation of light due to increased photophobia and the presence of viscous secretions occur, it is necessary to consult a specialist.
“These are the symptoms keratitisan inflammation of the cornea that must be treated immediately to avoid the formation of scars that could compromise the correct maturation of vision”, explains the ophthalmologist. This is because the ocular system is not completely formed at the birth of the child and any blockage early years of life can compromise the full development of the eye.
How to diagnose keratitis?
Diagnosis of the disease in children is carried out using a slit lamp. This equipment integrates a high light density lamp coupled with a biomicroscope, allowing the control of all external portions of the eye.
Furthermore, the ophthalmologist explains that the treatment is generally carried out with topical corticosteroid. It is important to emphasize that the use of the medicine must be carried out under medical supervision and monitoring. This is because prolonged use of this type of eye drops can cause glaucoma and abruptly stopping their use predisposes the inflammation to a recurrence.
Symptoms and transmission of measles
The most common symptoms of measles are fever, runny nose, cough, red rash, and in some cases conjunctivitis.
Taking certain measures can make the transmission of the virus more difficult. Discover the main ones below.
- Cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough with a disposable tissue
- Wash your hands often with soap and water
- Avoid touching your mouth and eyes
- Do not share glasses, cutlery, pillowcases and towels
- Keep rooms ventilated and clean
- Stay away from crowds and closed places
- Avoid close contact with sick people
Treatment and prevention
Measles prevention is achieved through triple viral vaccinewhich also protects against rubella and mumps. The vaccination is carried out in two doses, the first administered when the child turns one and the second three months later.
An important addendum regarding measles vaccination concerns the pregnant women. In these cases, it is important for women to take an antibody test to confirm whether they are immunized against the disease before becoming pregnant. It is therefore essential to confirm the administration of both doses as the vaccine cannot be administered during pregnancy.
“Without prior immunization, the pregnant woman becomes infected transmits the virus to the fetus through the placenta and this can cause three diseases in the child. One of these is encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain, often fatal. Acute retinitis and congenital cataracts, the leading cause of vision loss among children, can also occur. Therefore, prevention among women must be greater”, concludes the ophthalmologist.
Moreover, the treatment of people who have already been infected with the measles virus is aimed at this reduce discomfort caused by the disease. In cases of conjunctivitis, medical monitoring is also necessary for the diagnosis and correct use of corticosteroid eye drops.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
