The number of measles cases in the

Philippines continues to skyrocket; increasing by

some 30,000 suspected and confirmed cases since
June 2014.
Numbers released by the WHO in June 2014
showed the Philippines at approximately 47,000
cases. The large, ongoing outbreak in the Philippines
has had an impact on the measles situation in the
United States this year.

 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

(CDC) says many of the cases in the U.S. in 2014 have
been associated with cases brought in from the
Philippines. The World Health Organization and the
Philippines Department of Health are working to
control the outbreak, including conducting
vaccination campaigns.
There is no specific treatment for measles and most
people recover within 23 weeks.
Measles can be prevented by immunization.

To define what is measles.

To determine the cause of
measles.
To exemplify the risk factors for
getting measles.
To enumerate its signs and symptoms.
To describe the mode of transmission of the said
disease.
To specify assessment need to be done.
To designate treatment goals; and
To provide nursing management through health
teaching and disease prevention.

 Measles (also called rubeola) is a highly-contagious viral

disease caused by a single-stranded RNA paramyxovirus
(genus Morbillivirus) that spreads through respiratory
droplets from infected persons.
Measles is an endemic disease; meaning it is continually
present in a community and many people develop resistance.
A live, attenuated measles vaccine was developed in 1963
that has subsequently been administered routinely to children
in industrialized countries.

 Measles affects adolescents and adults who were never

fully vaccinated or, in rare instances, affects those who
received the recommended vaccine but never developed
immunity or developed immunity that waned over time.
Additional risk factors for severe measles and measlesrelated complications include malnutrition, vitamin A
deficiency, and pregnancy. Susceptible persons healthcare
workers, kindergarten and daycare workers, teachers,
students. Persons who refuse vaccination for religious or
philosophical reasons, migrants from rural to urban areas,
tourists, and travelers on international flights or cruise
ships. Adults > 20 years are at highest risk for serious
complications.

 The incubation period is typically 1012 days following viral

exposure. Measles is characterized by high fever, coryza (i.e.,
runny nose), enlarged lymph nodes, conjunctivitis,
photophobia, cough, and rash. The characteristic rash appears
by the fourth symptomatic day around the hairline, neck, and
ears followed by spread to the face, trunk, and extremities.
The rash changes color from red to brown during the course
of measles. Koplik spots (i.e., small, irregular, red spots with
blue-white centers that form on the buccal membranes
around day 2) are a hallmark of measles. Uncomplicated
measles is symptomatic for ~ 710 days.
Other manifestations include anorexia, malaise, and
generalized lymphadenopathy. Abdominal pain and liver
involvement (e.g., jaundice) are common in adults.

 Diagnosis is made based on clinical presentation and

results of blood or body fluid culture.
Treatment is supportive and focuses on alleviating
symptoms and preventing serious complications
(e.g., severe diarrhea, dehydration, pneumonia,
blindness, encephalitis).

 Measles is more contagious than almost any other

disease. The virus that causes measles lives in the nose
and throat of infected people and is sprayed into the air
when an infected person sneezes, coughs or talks, and
can stay in the air for up to two hours. People with
measles can spread the disease starting four days before
the rash begins until four days after it appears. A person
with measles should stay home from school or work
while they are contagious. Special care should be taken
to avoid contact with babies younger than 1215 months
(they are too young to have been vaccinated) and
pregnant women.

In dealing with patients,

you can assess them through:

You can also provide

treatment goals. Such as:

Patient History
Physical Findings of
Particular Interest
Laboratory Tests That Might
Be Ordered
Other Diagnostic
Tests/Studies

Promote Symptomatic
Relief to Improve Patient
Comfort
Monitor for Complications
and Provide Supportive
Therapy
Prevent Further
Transmission and Educate

 Educate to use a cool-mist humidifier, monitor for signs

of respiratory distress, and seek immediate medical
attention if respiratory distress develops.
Educate regarding supportive management of the
patient, including bed rest, shading from bright light if
the patient is photosensitive, proper use of prescribed
medications, and intake of fluids and soft, bland food;
encourage use of tepid baths to keep skin clean.
Encourage unimmunized individuals and new parents
to follow current recommendations for measles
vaccination.