-
DE
Measles - symptoms, infection, progression and protection through vaccination
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection with potentially serious complications. Find out everything about symptoms, transmission, progression and the important vaccination here.
Add as Preferred SourceThings worth knowing about "Measles"
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection with potentially serious complications. Find out everything about symptoms, transmission, progression and the important vaccination here.
Measles is a highly contagious infectious disease caused by the measles virus (morbillivirus). It is mainly transmitted by droplet infection, for example when coughing or sneezing, and contact with the aerosol containing the virus is enough to become infected. Measles is not just a childhood disease - unvaccinated adults can also become seriously ill.
Transmission and incubation periodThe measles virus is extremely contagious: around 90% of unvaccinated contacts become infected after contact with a sick person. The incubation period is typically 8 to 10 days, with contagiousness starting several days before the rash appears.
Symptoms and course
Measles progress in two phases:
1. prodromal phase:
-
Fever, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis
-
Sensitivity to light
-
Typical: Copic spots (white spots on the buccal mucosa)
2nd exanthema phase:
-
Skin rash (maculopapular, starts behind the ears and spreads over the body)
-
Fever rise to over 40 °C
-
General fatigue
After about a week, the rash subsides. However, the immune system remains weakened for several weeks, which increases the risk of secondary infections.
ComplicationsMeasles are not a harmless disease. Around 10-20% of cases progress with complications such as:
-
Middle ear infection, bronchitis or pneumonia
-
Masencephalitis (inflammation of the brain): occurs in approx. 1 in 1,000 cases, potentially fatal
-
SSPE (subacute sclerosing panencephalitis): rare, but always fatal late complication
Protection through vaccination
The twin measles vaccination (MMR or MMRV) is considered the safest form of protection. The Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) recommends:
-
1st vaccination at the age of 11-14 months
-
2nd vaccination at the age of 15-23 months
After two vaccinations, lifelong protection exists in over 95% of cases. Since March 2020, measles vaccination has been mandatory in Germany for children in daycare centres and schools as well as for employees in community facilities and medical professions
.Treatment
There is no specific antiviral therapy. Treatment is symptomatic:
-
Fever reduction, sufficient fluid intake
-
Shielding from light in case of conjunctivitis
-
Medical monitoring in case of complications
Importance for public health
Measles are considered a potentially eliminable disease according to the WHO, as the virus has no animal reservoirs. The prerequisite is a vaccination rate of at least 95% in the population - this is still not achieved regionally in Germany, which is why there are regular local outbreaks.
Literature references:
-
Robert Koch Institute (2023). "Measles - infection, vaccination recommendations, reporting system."
-
WHO (2022). "Measles Factsheet."
-
Moss, W. J. (2017). "Measles." Lancet.
Building Blocks for a Healthy Life
As an integrated manufacturer, we develop & produce evidence-based, patented, and non-patented formulations. We work exclusively with plant and natural extracts according to the strictest purity & quality standards.
The combination of science & modern technology with the laws of nature creates solutions consistently tailored to humans – for the highest good: health.
Skip product gallery
Subscription available
Floral
For Healthy Oral Flora & Dental Care
Formulated lozenges with Dentalac®, lactic acid bacteria, and Lactoferrin CLN®30 lozenges
Regular price:
€22.90
Discount
Subscription available
Lactoferrin 60 Capsules
For your universal protection
As one of the most valuable proteins in the body, lactoferrin is a natural component of the immune system.
60 Capsules
Sale price:
€50.00
Regular price:
€59.90
Discount
Subscription available
Multivitamin Mineral Complex
Daily basic supply: the complete spectrum of micronutrients
Natural multivitamin complex for the immune system, energy, and central body functions
30 Capsules
Sale price:
€27.90
Regular price:
€29.90
Subscription available
Natural Iron
For your iron balance
Specially formulated for your iron balance with plant-based curry leaf iron, Lactoferrin CLN®, and natural Vitamin C from rose hips.
30 Capsules
Regular price:
€35.90
Most read entries
3 Posts in this encyclopedia categoryMagnesiumcarbonat
Magnesiumcarbonat ist eine anorganische Magnesiumverbindung mit säure-neutralisierender (antazidischer) Wirkung. Erfahre mehr über Vorteile, Einsatzgebiete und Unterschiede zu besser resorbierbaren Magnesiumformen.
Calorie content
The choice of food influences our energy intake. The calorie content varies greatly - some provide little energy, others a lot.
Cologne list
The Cologne List ® is an important initiative in competitive sports that offers athletes guidance in the selection of nutritional supplements.