Understanding Rubeola: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention

Rubeola, also known as measles, is a highly contagious viral infection that affects the respiratory system and causes fever, cough, and a characteristic rash. It is one of the most common childhood illnesses and is usually acquired during early childhood.

Rubeola is caused by the measles virus and is spread through contact with an infected person's respiratory secretions, such as droplets from a cough or sneeze. The virus can also survive on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person has left the area.

The symptoms of rubeola typically appear about 10-14 days after exposure to the virus and can include:

* Fever (usually high)
* Cough
* Runny nose
* Red, watery eyes
* Small white spots inside the mouth (Koplik spots)
* A red, blotchy rash that starts on the head and spreads to the rest of the body

In rare cases, rubeola can lead to complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), a degenerative brain disorder that can occur years after the initial infection.

There is no specific treatment for rubeola, but antiviral medications may be prescribed to reduce the severity of the symptoms. Vaccination is the best way to prevent rubeola, and the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for all children and adults who have not been previously vaccinated or have not had the disease.