measles documented in less than two months. This prompted them to declare an outbreak in six areas, namely: Baseco Compound and Moriones in Tondo, Manila; Barangay Pulang Lupa in Las Piñas City; Central Market in Dasmariñas, Cavite; San Francisco town in Quezon province; and Balabagan town in Lanao del Sur. This is a scary statistic, especially for moms like me. The thought of my child suffering from such a notorious disease is simply unbearable!That's why i really made sure my Bea received her childhood vaccinations against Measles.What is this diease? Measles is a highly contagious viral disease, which affects mostly children. It is transmitted via droplets from the nose, mouth or throat of infected persons.
Initial symptoms, which usually appear eight to 12 days after infection, include high fever, runny nose, bloodshot eyes, and tiny white spots on the inside of the mouth. Rashes also develop after several days. The patient may be contagious from four days prior to the rash appearance to four days after rash appearance.
The disease is more severe in infants and adults. Complications from measles which is reported in up to 20% of people infected include; seizures, pneumonia, deafness and encephalitis.
According to the WHO, there is no specific treatment for measles and prevention can be done through immunization. Yes, you read right. This disease can be prevented, if only we are diligent in having our children immunized against Measles. This vaccine is usually bundled with vaccines for two other diseases: mumps and rubella, they are often called MMR. This immunization costs a little over a thousand pesos, the price varies depending on your pediatrician. I know this can put a strain to our already tight budgets, but please, please make sure you have your children immunized against these diseases. You just might be saving their lives, and that is always priceless right?
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