MEASLES | DISEASE BRIEFS
Once considered eliminated in the United States, measles has seen a resurgence in recent years due to declining vaccination rates and increased global travel. Caused by the measles virus, this highly contagious infection spreads through airborne respiratory droplets and can linger in the environment for up to two hours after an infected person has left the area. The virus is especially dangerous for young children, pregnant individuals, and immunocompromised patients, often leading to serious complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, and long-term neurologic damage. Although vaccination remains the most effective preventive measure, pharmacy technicians play a crucial role during outbreaks—ensuring accurate medica- tion handling, supporting timely immunizations, and helping patients navigate access to treatments. MEASLES DISEASE STATE BRIEF
SYMPTOMS OF MEASLES
DIAGNOSIS AND TRANSMISSION
Diagnosis is based on clinical presentation and confirmed through laboratory testing such as IgM serology or PCR testing. Because of the virus’s extreme contagiousness—affecting up to 90% of susceptible individuals exposed—public health authorities require measles cases to be reported immediately to help contain the spread. Pharmacy technicians may first encounter potential cases through prescrip- tion or vaccine activity during outbreaks. It is essential to recognize time-sen- sitive needs, especially for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), and escalate them to the pharmacist quickly.
Measles typically begins 7 to 14 days after exposure and progresses in stages. Patients are contagious from four days before the rash appears until four days after. Common symptoms include: • High fever (often >104°F) • Cough • Coryza (runny nose) • Conjunctivitis (red, watery eyes) • Koplik spots (tiny white spots inside the cheeks) • Maculopapular rash starting on the face and spreading downward • Fatigue, malaise, and loss of appetite Complications are more likely in high-risk populations and can include ear infec- tions, diarrhea, pneumonia, and in severe cases, brain swelling (encephalitis).
PRESCRIPTION TREATMENT OPTIONS
No antiviral medication is specifically approved to treat measles. Instead, pre- scription therapies focus on symptom management and the prevention of complications. Common prescription options include: • Vitamin A (Retinol) • Recommended for children to reduce severity and complications • Typical dosing: 200,000 IU once daily for two days (adjusted for age) • Antibiotics • Used only for secondary bacterial infections such as pneumonia or otitis media • Examples: amoxicillin, azithromycin • Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) • MMR vaccine within 72 hours of exposure may prevent or lessen illness • Immune globulin (IG) within 6 days is used for high-risk individuals who cannot receive live vaccines (e.g., infants, pregnant individuals) Pharmacy technicians should double-check dosing, particularly for pediat- ric patients, and flag any urgent PEP prescriptions for immediate pharma- cist review.
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