Slide 1: ==== ==== For more information on Mumps please check this out; http://tiensshop.co.uk/Mumps-c2_14.html ==== ====
Prior to widespread immunization, these diseases were very common in the United States. With measles for example, 90% of the population would catch this disease by age 20 and very few people would go a lifetime without catching it. Because of childhood immunizations, these three diseases have dropped up to about 99% in most industrialized countries. The two common elements amongst measles, mumps and rubella are how very contagious they are, and the mode of transmission. They are all transmitted through respiratory secretions through coughing and sneezing. They all in general cause mild disease in children most of the time, however occasionally there are dangerous complications with these viruses especially in the newborn and the adult. Rubella can be extremely hazardous to the fetus if a pregnant woman catches the disease. I will briefly discuss each disease individually: Measles Measles or rubeola, is an acute highly communicable viral disease that is characterized by Koplik spots in the cheek or tongue very early in the disease. A couple of days later a red blotchy rash appears first on the face, and then spreads, lasting 4-7 days. Other symptoms include fever, cough and red watery eyes. The patient may be contagious from four days prior to the rash appearance to four days after rash appearance. The disease is more severe in infants and adults. Complications from measles which is reported in up to 20% of people infected include; seizures, pneumonia, deafness and encephalitis. Mumps Mumps is also an acute viral disease that is characterized by fever and swelling and tenderness in one or more of the salivary glands. Maximum infectiousness occurs between two days prior to onset of illness to four days afterwards. Complications to mumps may include; orchitis (which has been reported to be a risk factor for testicular cancer), encephalitis and spontaneous abortion. Sterility in males is a rare possible outcome. Rubella
Slide 2: Rubella or German measles is a mild, febrile viral disease characterized by a rash and fever. The rash is clinically indistinguishable from those produced by measles, parvovirus B19 and scarlet fever. This highly communicable disease is contagious from about 1 week before and four days after onset of the rash. Rubella is important because of its ability to cause problems with the developing fetus. Congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) can cause miscarriage; and mental retardation, deafness or cataracts and other birth defects in the newborn. Prevention is through vaccination. The MMR vaccine was first licensed for use in 1971. This vaccine should be given in two doses at 12-15 months and the second at 4-6 years. Some adults should get one dose of the vaccine if they were born after 1956 and have no record of having the diseases or vaccinations. As an adult you don't need the vaccine if you meet certain criteria such as age or negative blood tests. A few years ago, a MMRV vaccine was developed which includes protection against varicella or chickenpox. In some developing countries, these diseases are still very present and it is recommended to ensure vaccination is up to date prior to international travel.
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==== ==== For more information on Mumps please check this out; http://tiensshop.co.uk/Mumps-c2_14.html ==== ====
