Measles

Abstract

Measles is a well-known childhood disease that is preventable through vaccination of children at 9 and 18 months of age. The first signs and symptoms are flu-like, soon followed by a fever and characteristic rash. Measles is a highly contagious disease that remains responsible for high numbers of deaths among children in spite of an effective vaccine. Treatment of the disease includes isolation, protection from sharp light, symptomatic support and close observation for possible complications. Measles is a notifiable disease and must be reported to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD).