Persistent in developing countries, measles is among the leading causes of infant mortality. Indeed, it kills nearly one million children every year worldwide. This contagious disease caused by a paramyxovirus of the genus Morbillivirus and is especially deadly in Africa and in some developing countries in Asia and in the Americas. The onset of this disease if favoured by several factors such as malnutrition among children younger than three, malaria and other related affections. Measles is spread in several ways, namely by nasal secretions, aerosol transmission, close contact and even through the shared use of contaminated objects. It can cause diarrhoea, blindness, or even neurological and respiratory complications. Sometimes, the disease may lead significant after-effects, including deafness and mental disorders, even if the condition is completely cured.
The incubation period for measles lasts between 10 and 12 days. The disease starts with a prodromal phase that leads to a fever of about 40 ° C, which is accompanied by nasal discharge, diarrhoea and inflammation of the conjunctiva. This last condition causes sharp pain in the eye. A child with measles may also be subject to abdominal pain, dry cough and may become whiny. About 8 days after the prodromal phase, red spots appear, starting with the head before gradually covering up the whole body. The disease is then said to be in its third phase.
At the onset of dry cough, conjunctivitis and fever especially, it is advisable to resort to Sulfur 30 CH to prevent the disease from getting worse. In case of loud cough and nasal discharge, it is rather recommended to use Aconitum napellus. On the other hand, it will be necessary to administer granules of Gelsemium sempervirens to a sick child when he or she suffers from high fever accompanied by a cold, is not thirsty and is unable to move. In general, it is recommended to take a dose of Morbillinum 30 CH at the onset of the disease, followed by a dose ten days later, accompanied by five granules of Belladonna 9 CH and 5 granules of Euphrasia officinalis every two hours in order to curb the disease’s progression. Finally, it is possible to complete the treatment with a dose of Pulsatilla 30 CH, to be taken a week later.
Measles is a fatal childhood disease which is why it is advisable to go to hospital urgently, or at least consult a doctor, from the onset of the first symptoms. Only a health professional will be able to diagnose the illness and prescribe the most appropriate remedies. You should know that in this case self-medication is strongly discouraged. The patient should follow the recommended treatment as soon as possible and must always remain under medical supervision.
Good to know: Homoeopathic remedies that are used to treat measles are effective for preventing neurological and respiratory complications as well as deafness and psychological disorders.
