Related Experiment Videos

Measles in Thai adults: three case reports and management of contact cases

C Pancharoen1, S Wachirarojpaisan, S Pattamadilok

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand. chitsanu.p@chula.ac.th

The Southeast Asian Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health
|June 4, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Three healthcare professionals contracted measles from pediatric patients. Antibody testing in contacts revealed one unvaccinated student developed measles, highlighting the importance of vaccination.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Virology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Measles is a highly contagious viral illness.
  • Nosocomial transmission of measles can occur in healthcare settings.
  • Healthcare workers and students are at risk of measles exposure.

Observation:

  • Three adult healthcare workers (one nurse, two medical students) were diagnosed with measles.
  • Patients presented with classic measles symptoms: fever, cough, conjunctival injection, and rash.
  • Exposure occurred from pediatric patients treated at Chulalongkorn Hospital.

Findings:

  • Physical examination confirmed Koplik's spots and maculopapular rash.
  • Viral isolation confirmed the measles diagnosis.
  • Measles IgG antibody testing in 36 close contacts showed 33 positive, 2 equivocal, and 1 negative result.
  • The contact with negative IgG subsequently developed measles, indicating susceptibility.

Implications:

  • This case series underscores the risk of measles transmission within hospitals.
  • Prompt diagnosis and contact tracing are crucial for outbreak control.
  • Ensuring healthcare personnel are adequately vaccinated against measles is vital for patient and staff safety.

Related Concept Videos

Pulmonary Tuberculosis V01:28

Pulmonary Tuberculosis V

Medical management of tuberculosis (TB) patients involves a comprehensive approach that includes diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring. The specific strategies can vary depending on the type of tuberculosis (latent or active), the patient's overall health status, and other considerations.
Latent tuberculosis infection occurs when TB bacteria are present in a person's body, but are not causing illness or symptoms. It is not contagious, and preventive treatment is crucial to avoid the progression...
Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management01:26

Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management

Mitral stenosis, a condition marked by the narrowing of the mitral valve, necessitates an integrated approach for effective management. This approach includes preventative measures, medical therapy, and surgical interventions to reduce symptoms and prevent complications.PreventionPrevention of mitral stenosis primarily focuses on reducing the incidence of bacterial infections, particularly streptococcal infections, which can lead to rheumatic fever and subsequent valvular damage. Timely...
Endocarditis III: Medical Management01:18

Endocarditis III: Medical Management

Infective endocarditis management involves a multifaceted approach encompassing infection prevention, lifestyle modifications, pharmacological therapy, and surgical management.Infection Prevention:Hand Hygiene: Thorough handwashing is crucial to prevent the spread of infection. Hand hygiene should be performed regularly, especially before and after using the restroom.Oral Hygiene: Good oral hygiene is essential. It includes brushing teeth immediately after waking up and before bed, flossing...
Myocarditis III: Medical Management01:14

Myocarditis III: Medical Management

Myocarditis: Comprehensive Medical ManagementMyocarditis, the heart muscle inflammation, requires a comprehensive medical management strategy that addresses the underlying cause, provides supportive care, manages symptoms, and reduces cardiac workload.Infections and Autoimmune CausesAdminister appropriate antimicrobial therapy when an infectious agent causes myocarditis. For instance, penicillin treats infections caused by Group A Streptococcus. In cases where autoimmune processes are...
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever01:26

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) is a severe tick-borne illness caused by Rickettsia rickettsii, a Gram-negative, coccobacillary bacterium. This pathogen is an obligate intracellular parasite, requiring a host cell for replication. Transmission occurs through the bite of an infected tick. In the United States, the most important vectors are Dermacentor variabilis (American dog tick) and Dermacentor andersoni (Rocky Mountain wood tick), though other tick species may also serve as vectors.
Smallpox01:24

Smallpox

Smallpox is a severe contagious disease caused by the Variola major virus, a double-stranded DNA member of the Poxviridae family.Variola major transmission occurs primarily via inhalation of virus-laden droplets or direct contact with infectious scabs. The incubation period averages approximately seven days, although it may range from 7 to 17 days depending on the inoculum and host factors.Clinically, the prodromal phase is marked by an abrupt onset of high fever, malaise, headache, and myalgia.