What happens if you leave measles untreated?

What happens if you leave measles untreated?

Measles is a highly contagious infection that causes a rash all over the body, cough, runny nose, eye irritation, and fever. If left untreated, the infection can lead to ear infections, pneumonia, seizures, brain damage, and even death.

How long can you live with measles?

Measles virus can live for up to two hours in an airspace after an infected person leaves an area.

What is the death rate of measles?

Most people survive measles, though in some cases, complications may occur. About 1 in 4 individuals will be hospitalized and 1–2 in 1000 will die. Complications are more likely in children under age 5 and adults over age 20.

Will measles go away on its own?

There’s no specific treatment for measles, but the condition usually improves within 7 to 10 days. A GP will probably suggest taking things easy at home until you’re feeling better. Stay away from work or school for at least 4 days from when the measles rash first appears to reduce the risk of spreading the infection.

Can measles affect the brain?

About 1 child out of every 1,000 who get measles will develop encephalitis (swelling of the brain) that can lead to convulsions and can leave the child deaf or with intellectual disability.

Can measles cause blindness?

Measles always affects the eyes although not always seriously; but it may lead to loss of sight. Some 100 000 children become blind each year following measles. Measles also causes many other complications including pneumonia, diarrhoea, malnutrition, middle ear infection and damage to the brain.

What is the danger of measles?

Measles can be serious. Children younger than 5 years of age and adults older than 20 years of age are more likely to suffer from complications. Common complications are ear infections and diarrhea. Serious complications include pneumonia and encephalitis.

Can measles cause disability?

How often do people die from the measles?

And thanks to medical advances and better knowledge of the disease, serious complications are less likely. According to the CDC, for every 1,000 people who get measles, about 1 or 2 will die. But even if you survive measles, there are other possible risks.

How long does it take to spread measles from one person to another?

Measles is so contagious that if one person has it, up to 90% of the people close to that person who are not immune will also become infected. Infected people can spread measles to others from four days before through four days after the rash appears.

How long can you stay away from work with measles?

Stay away from work or school for at least 4 days from when the measles rash first appears to reduce the risk of spreading the infection. You should also try to avoid contact with people who are more vulnerable to the infection, such as young children and pregnant women.

Is it possible to survive the measles virus?

While it’s possible to survive a measles infection, there are too many deadly complications associated with it. Not getting the measles vaccine puts yourself at risk for the virus. It also makes you a possible carrier, putting sensitive groups, such as young children, at risk, too.