Worrying complications of measles in children

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that mainly affects children.

Although preventable with vaccines, measles, if not detected and treated promptly, can lead to many dangerous complications, especially in young children.

To prevent measles and dangerous complications, full vaccination is the most important measure.

Currently, the Department of Pediatrics, Central Hospital for Tropical Diseases is treating many measles patients, most of whom are children under 1 year old.

Baby LTC was admitted to the hospital with a high fever (39°C), severe cough, vomiting and diarrhea. Initially, the family thought the baby just had a common sore throat and took him to a local medical facility for treatment.

However, after 3 days of no improvement, the baby began to have a high fever and a red rash from the face, spreading to the body and limbs. When taken to the Pediatrics Department of the Central Hospital for Tropical Diseases, the baby was diagnosed with measles, with typical symptoms such as high fever, eye discharge, cough, diarrhea and rash.

Upon admission, the patient was treated aggressively. After a few days, the child’s condition gradually stabilized, his temperature was controlled, and the measles rash began to disappear. However, doctors still needed to closely monitor him to prevent complications such as pneumonia or malnutrition, conditions that could arise during the recovery process.

Baby NTQ was one of the most severe cases in the department. He started having symptoms of high fever (39.5°C), dry cough, stuffy nose, eyes with lots of discharge and diarrhea 3-4 times a day.

After two days of fever, the baby developed a red rash on his face, neck, and body. Notably, his condition rapidly worsened and he was diagnosed with measles with complications of pneumonia.

Before being transferred to the Central Hospital for Tropical Diseases, the baby had to undergo emergency medical intervention with endotracheal intubation and breathing support.

At the hospital, doctors diagnosed the baby with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a serious complication of measles. ARDS causes severe lung damage, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. After 5 days of treatment, the baby showed positive progress, but the lung damage still requires long-term monitoring and treatment.

MSc. Le Thi Thu Hien, the doctor treating the child, said that NTQ's case is a clear demonstration of the dangers of measles if not detected and treated promptly. ARDS complications can lead to death without active medical intervention.

According to Dr. Le Thi Thu Hien, measles usually progresses through three distinct stages. In the initial stage, children have flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, stuffy nose, red eyes, laryngitis and diarrhea. This is a contagious stage but difficult to recognize because there is no measles rash yet.

The next stage is the rash stage, when red spots appear from behind the hairline, spreading to the face, neck, trunk and limbs. Children often have a high fever and are very tired during this stage. Finally, the rash stage is when the spots fade, leaving patchy patches on the skin before the child fully recovers.

Measles can cause many dangerous complications, especially in children who have not been fully vaccinated. Common complications of measles include pneumonia: This is a common complication that can cause severe respiratory failure and be life-threatening.

Encephalitis: Is one of the rare but very dangerous complications, can lead to death or leave long-term sequelae.

Otitis media: Causes ear pain and hearing loss if not treated promptly.

Malnutrition: Due to children having prolonged fever and not being able to eat enough nutrients.

Conjunctivitis: Causes red, swollen eyes and discharge from the eyes.

To prevent measles and its dangerous complications, full vaccination is the most important measure. Doctor Le Thi Thu Hien recommends that parents should fully vaccinate their children with two doses of measles vaccine according to the national vaccination schedule.

Women should also be vaccinated before becoming pregnant to protect their children in the first months of life. Early detection and timely treatment are extremely important. When children show signs such as high fever, cough, diarrhea or rash, parents need to quickly take their children to a medical facility for proper diagnosis and treatment."

In addition, parents also need to pay attention to other disease prevention measures such as isolating children with measles to avoid spreading it to others. Clean the living environment and wash hands regularly.

Children from 9 months of age need to get the first dose of vaccine, the second dose at 15 - 18 months and the third dose when the child is 4 - 6 years old.

Make sure to clean your child's eyes, nose, and throat with antiseptic solution every day, avoid crowded places, and limit close contact with people with measles.

Dr. Nguyen Tuan Hai, Safpo/Potec Vaccination System, emphasized that vaccination is the only way to protect children and adults from measles and its serious complications. Countries around the world require measles vaccination coverage to reach and maintain above 95% to create community immunity."

Vaccination not only helps protect children's health but also prevents the spread of disease in the community. With outstanding effectiveness of up to 98%, measles vaccine is the most effective disease prevention tool, helping to reduce the risk of disease and dangerous complications.

Measles is a disease that can be easily prevented through vaccination, however, when not detected and treated promptly, the disease can lead to serious complications.

To protect the health of children and the community, parents need to strictly follow the vaccination schedule and promptly take their children to a medical facility when they detect suspected symptoms of measles. Full measles vaccination is the first and most important step to prevent epidemics and minimize dangerous complications.

Source: https://baodautu.vn/bien-chung-dang-lo-ngai-cua-benh-soi-o-tre-em-d239939.html