Question

In a one-page essay, summarize the recent outbreaks of Measles from the standpoint of health

care providers. What is measles? How is measles spread? What must a health care provider be

looking out for (e.g. what are the 3Cs). At a clinic, pharmacy, or hospital, what precautions must

be taken if a patient presents with measles. Then, comment on how effective the vaccine is and

why people are not all people in LA vaccinated? Are there people that shouldn’t get the vaccine

for medical reasons? Are there people that should get it that don’t get it? Why

Answer 1

Measles is a contagious viral infection, evidenced in nose and throat mucus, mainly seen in 10-12 days after exposure to infected person and can last to 7-10 days. This infection can be fatal in children but can be prevented by vaccination.

Measles are transmitted from one person to another by droplets when they coughs or sneezes. The another way of spreading infection is by touching contaminated surface like clothing, blanket,towel,utensils etc. It can also be infected by skin contact . For example, by handshakes ,hugs,playing together etc. Finally, measles can be transferred from mother to baby during pregnancy, delivery or nursing. The symptoms of measles include cough, coryza (running nose), conjunctivitis and fever. They are also known as 3Cs.

Certain precautions to be taken at clinic,pharmacy or hospital, if a patient comes with measles. They should have the facility to screen the infectious patients before they enter into main space. The patients should be provided with mask and make a clear way to access isolation room. The practitioners also should wear mask while attending or giving instructions to the patient.They should use a sanitizer with alcohol base after examining the client.The room should be fumigated or sterlized once the patient leaves the room.

  MMR vaccine is mostly effective to treat mumps,measles,rubella and varicella for children aged 1 to 12 years. The children are vaccinated before their first birthday and second dose at 4 to 6 years of age. Most of the parents are willing to give vaccine but a few ignore because of certain reasons. The main one is the fear of epidemic childhood disease due to combined MMR vaccine.Secondly, many are migrants and miss the chances to get vaccinated.

MMR will be contraindicated to certain condition such as,moderate or severe acute illness, patients on steroids,immunosupressed disease such as congenital,HIV infection , Leukemia, lymphoma,adenoma etc.