Measles, Mumps, and Roseola

Measles | Mumps | Roseola | References

Measles

Definition: Measles is a highly contagious viral infection caused by the measles virus, characterised by a distinctive red rash.

Aetiology: Caused by the measles virus, a paramyxovirus.

Pathophysiology: The virus infects the respiratory epithelium, spreads to the lymphatic system, and disseminates to other body systems. It causes immunosuppression, leading to secondary infections.

Risk Factors: Unvaccinated individuals, travel to endemic areas, immunocompromised status.

Signs and Symptoms: High fever, cough, coryza (runny nose), conjunctivitis (the "3 Cs"), Koplik spots (small white spots on the buccal mucosa), and a maculopapular rash starting on the face and spreading downwards.

Investigations:

• Serology: Measles-specific IgM antibodies.
• RT-PCR: Detection of measles RNA from throat swabs, urine, or blood.

Management:

• Primary Care: Supportive care (hydration, antipyretics), isolation to prevent spread.
• Specialist Care: Hospitalisation for severe cases, vitamin A supplementation, treatment of secondary infections.

Vaccination: Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine given at 12-15 months of age with a booster at 4-6 years.

Mumps

Definition: Mumps is a viral infection caused by the mumps virus, characterised by parotitis (swelling of the parotid glands).

Aetiology: Caused by the mumps virus, a paramyxovirus.

Pathophysiology: The virus infects the upper respiratory tract, spreads to the lymph nodes, and then to the bloodstream, affecting various organs including the parotid glands, testes, pancreas, and CNS.

Risk Factors: Unvaccinated individuals, close contact with an infected person.

Signs and Symptoms: Fever, headache, malaise, myalgia, parotid gland swelling and tenderness (unilateral or bilateral), orchitis (in males), oophoritis (in females).

Investigations:

• Serology: Mumps-specific IgM antibodies.
• RT-PCR: Detection of mumps RNA from buccal swabs, urine, or blood.

Management:

• Primary Care: Supportive care (hydration, antipyretics, analgesics), isolation to prevent spread.
• Specialist Care: Hospitalisation for severe cases, treatment of complications (e.g., orchitis, meningitis).

Vaccination: MMR vaccine given at 12-15 months of age with a booster at 4-6 years.

Roseola

Definition: Roseola, also known as exanthem subitum or sixth disease, is a common viral infection in infants and young children caused by human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) or human herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7).

Aetiology: Caused by HHV-6 and occasionally HHV-7.

Pathophysiology: The virus infects T cells and causes a high fever followed by a characteristic rash as the fever subsides.

Risk Factors: Infants and young children, exposure to infected individuals.

Signs and Symptoms: Sudden high fever lasting 3-5 days, followed by a maculopapular rash that starts on the trunk and spreads to the limbs and face as the fever resolves.

Investigations:

• Clinical diagnosis: Based on the typical presentation of high fever followed by rash.
• Serology: Detection of HHV-6 IgM antibodies (rarely needed).

Management:

• Primary Care: Supportive care (hydration, antipyretics), reassurance to parents.
• Specialist Care: Rarely needed, but hospitalisation for complications such as febrile seizures.

Vaccination: No specific vaccine for roseola, but general vaccination and good hygiene practices can help prevent the spread of infections.

References

1. NHS (2024) Measles. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/measles/ (Accessed: 24 June 2024).
2. NHS (2024) Mumps. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/mumps/ (Accessed: 24 June 2024).
3. NHS (2024) Roseola. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/roseola/ (Accessed: 24 June 2024).
4. World Health Organization (2024) Measles and Rubella. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/measles (Accessed: 24 June 2024).
5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2024) Mumps. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/mumps/index.html (Accessed: 24 June 2024).
6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2024) Roseola. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/roseola/index.html (Accessed: 24 June 2024).

Back to Top