Measles, a condition characterised by a rash, fever, cough, and runny nose is a highly contagious infectious disease. It is caused by a virus and can easily be transmitted from person to person. If someone in your household has measles, it becomes important to take proactive steps to prevent the spread of measles. In this article, we list tips you should follow to safeguard your household and prevent measles transmission.
Ways To Prevent Measles In Household
Isolation of the Infected Individual
If you suspect anyone from the family of measles, the first thing that you should do is isolate the infected individual to prevent further spread of the virus. You can designate a separate room in the house for the sick person and minimise contact with other household members, especially those who are unvaccinated or immunocompromised.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an infected individual can infect others: four days before getting the rash and four days following, even before realising they have the illness.
Practise Strict Respiratory Hygiene
Whenever someone coughs or sneezes, measles spreads through respiratory droplets. Hence, encourage the infected individual to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue or their elbow when coughing or sneezing to reduce the release of infectious droplets into the air. Regularly disinfect surfaces and objects that may come into contact with respiratory secretions.
Also Read: Chicken Pox: Causes, Symptoms, Complications, Treatment And Prevention Tips
Maintain Good Hand Hygiene
Frequent handwashing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the transmission of measles and other infectious diseases. Therefore, make sure all household members wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after coughing, sneezing, or caring for the sick individual.
Limit Visitors and Social Activities
During a measles outbreak within your household, it's advisable to limit visitors and social activities to reduce the risk of transmission to others outside the household. Avoid inviting guests into the home, and postpone non-essential outings and gatherings until the risk of contagion has passed.
Also Read: Early Symptoms & Preventive Tips For Children With Measles
Ensure Up-to-Date Vaccination
Vaccination is the best way to prevent measles and its spread within the community. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), measles immunisation prevented 56 million deaths From 2000 to 2021. It is important to ensure that all members of your household are up-to-date on their measles vaccinations according to the recommended schedule. Immunisation not only protects individuals from measles but also helps to achieve herd immunity, which reduces the overall risk of measles transmission in the population.
As per CDC, For optimal protection, your child requires two doses of the MMR vaccine:
- Initial dosage between the ages of 12-15 months
- Second dosage between the ages of 4-6
Monitor Symptoms and Seek Medical Care
Another thing to keep in mind is to monitor the health status of household members closely, especially those who may have been exposed to the infected individual. Be vigilant for symptoms of measles, which typically include high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a characteristic rash that starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. If anyone develops symptoms suggestive of measles, seek medical care promptly and inform healthcare providers about the potential exposure.
[Disclaimer: This article contains information for informational purposes only, hence, we advise you to consult your expert if you face any health issues for optimal treatment.]