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[Ophthalmological symptoms of measles and their treatment]
Mihály Végh1,2, András Hári-Kovács1, Hans-Walter Roth3
1Szemészeti Klinika, Szegedi Tudományegyetem, Általános Orvostudományi Kar Szeged, Korányi fasor 10-11., 6722.
Abstract:
Measles, caused by the Morbilli virus, is a highly (about 95 %) contagious disease affecting primarily children, but without proper immunisation, adults can also be infected. The leading symptoms of the disease are high fever that presents after an incubation period of 9-10 days and the red rash that begins several days after the fever starts. Beyond specific generalized symptoms, measles may have ocular symptoms. The most commonly occurring conjunctivitis, the so-called "red eye symptom", is not characteristic only for measles infection, however, by taking the generalized symptoms it can suggest the diagnosis at the beginning of the disease. Conjunctivitis of varying severity is noticed in the half of the cases without using ophthalmological instrumentation. Using ophthalmological instrumentation, the mild forms of conjunctivitis can be diagnosed, by meticulous ophthalmological examination, further eye diseases can be discovered. The viral conjunctivitis can progress to keratitis and bacterial superinfection can occur. If the infection presents in childhood it can affect the posterior segment. The fight against measles is very effective in Hungary since the vaccination has been introduced, and the lack of vaccination is also the primary cause of the risk to the disease. In the diagnosis, symptomatic treatment of the disease and the curbing of possible mass infections, the practicing physician (general practitioner) has a key role. The correct care of the infected patient in Hungary is provided by a methodological letter, professional information and legal guides. Orv Hetil. 2017; 158(39): 1523-1527.
Insights
Measles, a highly contagious viral illness, presents with fever and rash, and can cause conjunctivitis and other eye complications. Vaccination is key to preventing measles and its potential ocular manifestations.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Ophthalmology
- Public Health
Background:
- Measles, caused by the Morbilli virus, is a highly contagious disease primarily affecting children but also posing risks to unvaccinated adults.
- Key symptoms include high fever and a characteristic red rash, appearing after an incubation period of 9-10 days.
- Ocular manifestations, particularly conjunctivitis, are common and can suggest early diagnosis when considered with generalized symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the ocular symptoms associated with measles.
- To discuss the diagnostic role of conjunctivitis in measles.
- To emphasize the importance of vaccination and the role of general practitioners in managing measles and preventing outbreaks.
Main Methods:
- Review of measles symptoms, including ocular manifestations like conjunctivitis and keratitis.
- Discussion of diagnostic approaches and potential complications.
- Examination of public health strategies for measles control in Hungary.
Main Results:
- Conjunctivitis occurs in about half of measles cases and can be detected with or without ophthalmological instrumentation.
- Viral conjunctivitis may progress to keratitis, with a risk of bacterial superinfection.
- Childhood measles infections can impact the posterior segment of the eye.
Conclusions:
- Measles vaccination is highly effective in controlling the disease, and lack of vaccination remains a primary risk factor.
- General practitioners play a crucial role in diagnosing measles, providing symptomatic treatment, and curbing potential mass infections.
- Established guidelines in Hungary support the management of measles patients and the prevention of widespread outbreaks.
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