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Measles Research Paper

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Measles Mallory Barker Zombie Apocalypse and Doom Infection; 27695 Professor Duszynski April 11, 2016 According to the IUPUI Newsroom, one of the most contagious diseases is measles. In fact, it is so contagious that if an infected person comes into contact with 20 unvaccinated individuals, 19 of those 20 people will acquire measles (Indiana 1). An introduction vaccine against measles was discovered in 1940, and was described as a powerful tool to protect soldiers from devastating epidemics of pneumonia (Conis 5). Measles were first discovered in 1757 by Francis Home, who established that it was caused by an infectious organism in a person’s blood. In 1912, it became recognized in the United States, which required public …show more content…

Those who have measles normally obtain a virus that is very contagious, which tends to live in an individuals mucus (Transmission 1). Many people who become infected think that it is simply a cold, and that with time it will go away on its own. Little do they know that the “cold” they are carrying around with them is easily spreading and taking some people’s lives. This virus is highly contagious and can be spread similarly to the common cold, as it is transmitted in the air through coughing and sneezing. If one does happen to go to the doctor when experiencing these symptoms, the doctor should ask them if they have been properly vaccinated for measles and also whether they have recently traveled into a foreign country. They should also ask if there has been a measles outbreak in or near their community (Rubeola 1). These questions are asked in order to rule out certain probabilities when determining what the disease is. This also allows the doctor to report to local public health officials, who can then warn the community and other places where the infected individual may have been, in order to stop the disease from spreading. All of these precautions are taken, as measles leads can lead to morbidity and in extreme cases, …show more content…

Those who experience complications from measles can be affected with ear infections, lung infections (pneumonia), convulsions, and in more severe cases, encephalitis, which is inflammation of the brain. Also, women who are pregnant and have measles can have a more serious form of the disease. They also face the risk of aborting the baby or not carrying it for the full term required (Health 1). Encephalitis is also considered a more serious complication with measles. It can come during the time of measles, or even shortly afterwards being affected with measles. It can cause convulsions, vomiting, and/or coma, which can ultimately lead to mortality. Mortality can also be associated with the more complicated side effects of measles, such as encephalitis and abortion, which was previously stated. It can also be highly contagious to unvaccinated children. Unvaccinated children are at the highest risk of death if they come down with measles while they are unvaccinated. Unvaccinated pregnant women are also at risk, both for themselves and for their unborn child. Ultimately, anyone who is not vaccinated to prevent measles is at a great risk of suffering from the multiple complications and unfortunately, has the potential to experience mortality. Luckily, numerous control measures have been put in place in order to prevent morbidity and mortality from

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