Measles is a highly contagious disease that is easily transmissible from person to person via droplets and close contact. It is important for newborns to be vaccinated against this potentially deadly virus.
Measles Vaccine
The measles vaccine is an attenuated vaccine, containing weakened traces of the measles virus. It allows the body to build its own antibodies against the virus.
The government recommends children between the ages of 9 months to 1 year old to get the vaccine. However, it is commonly included as part of the MMR vaccination.
Two doses are required to achieve long-term if not lifelong immunity to the virus.
Otherwise, the first dose is typically given at 12 to 15 months and the second at 4 to 6 years at Primary School age.
Side effects are mild and temporary, even for children. These include fever, rash, pain at the site of injection, and joint stiffness.
Measles
According to the Ministry of Health Malaysia, measles is caused by the measles virus (Measles morbillivirus).
Historical accounts show that measles have been around since the 9th century at least when it was first recorded by a Persian doctor. However, its origins may have been much older.
Victims experience symptoms within 10 to 12 days of infection with a recovery window that lasts between 7 to 10 days.
Fever, cough, runny nose, and inflamed eyes are usually the initial signs follow by small white spots in the mouth known as Koplik’s spots.
This is followed by a red ‘flat rash’ that spreads from the face to the rest of the body. Complications such as diarrhoea, middle ear infection, and pneumonia are not uncommon.
Babies and small children are particularly susceptible to the measles virus; it is often fatal.
Get Your Kids Immunised
According to a report by Knoema, measles cases skyrocketed in 2020 with over 478 cases but dropped to 128 in 2021.
Just like in other countries, measles cases increase and decrease according to the rate of vaccination. This is why it’s important to always ensure that as many children get vaccinated.
The measles vaccine is rarely given separately since hospitals will automatically use the MMR vaccine on babies which contain vaccines for measles, mumps and rubella.
So, don’t forget to keep your baby’s vaccination up to date. Let’s end the spread of this terrible disease in the country once and for all.
Sources
- Dottie. (2021, September 29). Measles. PORTAL MyHEALTH. Retrieved November 25, 2022, from http://www.myhealth.gov.my/en/measles/
- Malaysia measles cases, 1921-2021. Knoema. (n.d.). Retrieved November 25, 2022, from https://knoema.com/atlas/Malaysia/topics/Health/Communicable-Diseases/Measles-cases
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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