Measles, Mumps & Rubella
Introduction
Measles and mumps are highly infectious viral diseases that are caused by paramyxovirus. Rubella is a milder disease that is caused by a togovirus.
Measles, mumps and rubella occur throughout the world and are transmitted by sneezing, coughing or direct contact with respiratory secretions.
The Illness(s)
Measles is characterised by a rash that spreads from the head, down the body and over the limbs, over a period of 3 to 4 days. General flu-like symptoms may be experienced prior to the appearance of a rash. Such symptoms include fever, malaise, conjunctivitis and cough. Measles can be a very serious disease, particularly in children, and causes thousands of deaths worldwide every year.
Mumps is characterised by fever, swelling and tenderness of one or more of the salivary glands.
Rubella is a mild feverish illness that can cause general symptoms such as the common cold and conjunctivitis. In pregnancy the infection (maternal rubella) can result in miscarriage or multiple birth defects (congenital rubella syndrome) such as deafness, cardiac abnormalities, cataracts and other eye defects.
Treatment
There is no specific treatment available.
Recommendations for Travellers
These diseases are still common in much of Asia, Africa, the Indian sub-continent and South America. More recently there have been outbreaks of measles and mumps in many developed countries such as the USA, Canada, Japan, Israel and several European countries including the UK. The risk is greater when living or working with local people or travelling for large gatherings (e.g. sporting and music events).
A vaccine to protect against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) is available. This vaccine is usually given to children as part of the national childhood schedule, in infancy and prior to starting school. Two doses of vaccine gives lifetime protection against all three diseases.
Individuals should ensure that they have received two doses of MMR prior to travel to areas where the risk of measles, mumps or rubella is high. Those who were born between 1980 and 1990 may not have received two doses of MMR vaccine. Individuals born between this time should check with their G.P. to ensure that they have received vaccination. Prior infection with measles, mumps or rubella will provide long-lasting immunity against that particular disease.