Measles: Contemporary considerations for the emergency physician

Abstract

Measles, or rubeola, is a highly contagious acute febrile viral illness. Despite the availability of an effective vaccine since 1963, measles outbreaks continue worldwide. This article seeks to provide emergency physicians with the contemporary knowledge required to rapidly diagnose potential measles cases and bolster public health measures to reduce ongoing transmission.

A Review of the Resurgence of Measles, a Vaccine-Preventable Disease, as Current Concerns Contrast with Past Hopes for Measles Elimination

“…There is concern that healthcare professionals and populations have forgotten how severe measles infection can be [ 18 ]. Although measles can be a severe infection in all age groups, some individuals are more susceptible to complications, including children <5 years of age, adults >20 years of age, pregnant women, people who are immune suppressed (including patients with HIV/AIDS), and patients with chronic co-infections (such as tuberculosis) [ 18 ]. In the US, 1 in 5 unvaccinated people who contract measles will require hospitalization [ 18 ].…”

“…Although measles can be a severe infection in all age groups, some individuals are more susceptible to complications, including children <5 years of age, adults >20 years of age, pregnant women, people who are immune suppressed (including patients with HIV/AIDS), and patients with chronic co-infections (such as tuberculosis) [ 18 ]. In the US, 1 in 5 unvaccinated people who contract measles will require hospitalization [ 18 ]. Mild complications following the initial acute illness include ear infections in 10% of cases, skin rashes, and diarrhea (<10%) [ 18 ].…”

“…In the US, 1 in 5 unvaccinated people who contract measles will require hospitalization [ 18 ]. Mild complications following the initial acute illness include ear infections in 10% of cases, skin rashes, and diarrhea (<10%) [ 18 ]. Serious complications, such as pneumonia (5%) and encephalitis, can occur [ 18 ].…”

“…Mild complications following the initial acute illness include ear infections in 10% of cases, skin rashes, and diarrhea (<10%) [ 18 ]. Serious complications, such as pneumonia (5%) and encephalitis, can occur [ 18 ]. Pneumonia is the most common cause of death in children following measles infection [ 18 ].…”

“…Serious complications, such as pneumonia (5%) and encephalitis, can occur [ 18 ]. Pneumonia is the most common cause of death in children following measles infection [ 18 ].…”