MCB 2010 - Case Study: Measles - Symptoms, Complications & Treatment

This case study examines a 5-year-old child presenting with symptoms indicative of measles, including Koplik's spots. It discusses the disease's prognosis, potential complications such as ear infections and pneumonia, and normal treatment methods involving analgesics and electrolyte balance. The study also highlights the rarity of measles cases today due to the widespread use of the MMR vaccine, which provides effective immunization against measles, mumps, and rubella. The CDC's recommendations for MMR vaccination schedules are also mentioned, emphasizing the importance of vaccination in preventing the disease. Desklib provides a platform for students to access similar solved assignments and past papers.

Running head: MICROBIOLOGY
Microbiology
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

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MICROBIOLOGY
Case Study: 2
What does the child have?
The 5 years old girl child is have developed measles. According to Centre of Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC) (2017), tiny white lesions inside the mouth with red borders,
Koplik’s spot are regarded as an early signs of Measles or Rubeola. It is a viral disease and
the main causative agent is Morbillivirus.
What is its prognosis?
It is a highly contagious disease caused by the spread of the viral infected droplets in
air (sneezing or coughing) or by direct contact. Staying in a same room with someone
suffering from measles leads to the development of the disease (Clemmons et al., 2015).
What complications could ensue?
The preliminary symptoms of Measles include a runny nose, high fever, sore throat,
cold and cough and swollen eyes. This is followed by development of Koplik’s spot inside
the moth. After between two to four days of the disease prognosis, red-brown blotchy rash
develops in the head of the child or upper part of the neck and then gradually spreads over the
entire body. This is associated with an increase in the body temperature. Along with the
development of rashes, there occurs loss of appetite, pain in muscles and increase in the sense
of irritability (Centre of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2017). In extreme
conditions, there might occur, development of ear infection leading to loss of hearing and in
rare cases, development of diarrhea and pneumonia (Centre of Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC), 2018).

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MICROBIOLOGY
What is the normal treatment?
According to the National Health Service (2018), there are no specific treatments for
measles. The condition usually improves within 7 to 10 days post infection. However, in
order to manage the symptoms and to provide sudden relief, healthcare professionals
prescribe paracetamol or ibuprofen. These analgesics help in the effective management of the
muscle pain while lowering the body temperature. Generally, liquid infant paracetamol is
used for the children below 5 years of age. Aspirin is not recommended for the treatment of
infants or children. Measles also hampers the electrolyte balance thus proper regulation of the
liquid is also important for the effective management of measles and avoiding of any further
complications.
Why are you unlikely to see a child with this disease now?
It is unlikely to see a child with Measles at present because safe and effective
vaccination has already been developed for the treatment of Measles, Mumps and Rubella
(MMR). MMR vaccine is safe and is effective in preventing the development of MMR.
Centre of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (2018) recommends the every child should
be vaccinated with two dosage of MMR vaccine. The first dosage of vaccination must be
given during 12 and 15 months of age. The second dosage of vaccination must be given
between 4 to 6 years of age. At present CDC recommends for MMRV (Measles, Mumps,
Rubella and Varicella [chicken pox]) vaccination for children who are 12 years of age.
CDC (2018) states that effective vaccination with MMR vaccines and completion of
the booster dosage provides a comprehensive protection of MMR. Thus under the presence of
proper vaccination protocol for the generation of immunization against Measles, developing
Measles infection among children is something unlikely.

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MICROBIOLOGY
References
Centre of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (2017). Complications of Measles. Access
date: 12th February 2019. Retrieved from:
https://www.cdc.gov/measles/about/complications.html
Centre of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (2018). Measles, Mumps, and Rubella
(MMR) Vaccination: What Everyone Should Know. Access date: 12th February 2019.
Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/mmr/public/index.html
Clemmons, N. S., Gastanaduy, P. A., Fiebelkorn, A. P., Redd, S. B., & Wallace, G. S. (2015).
Measles-United States, January 4-April 2, 2015. MMWR. Morbidity and mortality
weekly report, 64(14), 373-376.
National Health Service. (2018). Measles Treatment. Access date: 12th February 2019.
Retrieved from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/measles/treatment/