Viral diseases affecting children, such as measles and rubella, continue to pose a public health challenge. Although there are safe and effective vaccines today, the Ministry of Health (Minsa) points this out from time to time Outbreaks occur due to lack of Vaccination or to incomplete plans. The Social Security (EsSalud) also warns that these diseases spread quickly among unvaccinated minors and can cause complications that affect their general well-being.
Since both diseases have certain initial symptoms in common, many people often confuse them. However, Measles and rubella have their own characteristics and their differentiation is important to understand their severity, their form of infection and the importance of vaccination as the most effective form of prevention.
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease caused by a virus that Transmission occurs through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. It is considered one of the most contagious viruses in the world and can remain in the air of an enclosed space for several hours. Therefore, a short contact in a shared environment is enough for infection to occur.
Measles usually begins with a high fever, general malaise, dry cough, stuffy nose, and red eyes. A characteristic sign is the appearance of small white spots in the mouth, called Koplik spots. After a few days it appears a rash that begins on the face and spreads to the trunk and extremities.
Although many cases are resolved without complications, Measles can cause otitis, severe diarrhea, pneumonia and even encephalitis. These complications are more common in young children, people with malnutrition or weakened immune systems. This is why the Minsa insists on it Full vaccination is essential to reduce the risk of serious illness.
Rubella, also called German measles, is another Viral disease that is transmitted via the respiratory tract and primarily affects children. In contrast to measles, rubella is usually milder. For many children, symptoms can be so mild that they go unnoticed.
The most common symptoms include: low fever, sore throat, swollen glands in the neck and behind the ears, general malaise and a pink rash which extends from the face down across the body. This rash is usually milder than measles and goes away within a few days.
Although it is generally a mild disease in children, it poses a significant risk in pregnant women infection during pregnancy can lead to that congenital rubella syndromewhich can generate Malformations, heart damage, deafness or mental retardation in the baby. Because of this severity, EsSalud emphasizes the importance of women of childbearing age having the appropriate vaccine and avoiding infection.
Although they share some similarities, measles and rubella have important differences in symptoms, severity, and consequences. In terms of symptoms, both are present Rash, fever and general malaise. However, Measles fever is higher and persistswhile rubella is usually mild. In addition to measles, there are other symptoms such as severe conjunctivitis and Koplik spots.which only occur in this disease.
Gravity is another important difference. Measles can cause serious complications such as pneumonia or encephalitis.especially in small children. lRubella, on the other hand, rarely causes serious problems in children and usually progresses as a mild infection. However, it becomes very dangerous when it affects a pregnant woman as there is a risk of malformations in the fetus.
The rash It also presents variations. Measles is more intensespreads quickly and may take several days to disappear. Rubella is milder and usually resolves more quickly. Another important difference is the epidemiological impact. Measles causes outbreaks more easily due to its very high infection rate. Rubella is also contagious, but transmission is less aggressive.
In both cases the best prevention tool is the triple virus vaccine, which protects against measles, rubella and mumps. Minsa and EsSalud recommend use in children and checking that adults receive the full dose.
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