Measles: Symptoms, Causes, and Main Risk Factors in the Population
Measles is a childhood infection caused by an easily transmissible virus that can be severe or fatal in young children. Although mortality rates have decreased worldwide, according to the Mayo Clinic, the disease continues to claim the lives of 200,000 people a year, most of whom are children.
TL;DR
- Measles is a dangerous and easily transmissible childhood viral infection, causing significant mortality worldwide, especially among children.
- The virus spreads through airborne droplets from coughing, sneezing, or talking, and can remain viable on surfaces for hours.
- Symptoms include fever, cough, conjunctivitis, Koplik spots, and a rash that typically appears 10-14 days post-exposure.
- Colombia's Ministry of Health is enhancing surveillance at airports, ports, and land borders, and activating response protocols for suspected cases.
- Approximately 90% of unvaccinated or non-immune individuals become infected upon exposure to someone with measles.