Thailand to closely monitor measles cases

Measles is caused by the virus of same name, which is usually found in the nose and throat. The most common symptom of this disease is fever and rash. “The high fever usually lasts for three to four day then reduces gradually over the next two or three days,” Suwanchai explained. “Meanwhile, the rash starts behind the ears and spreading to face, body, arms, and legs”.
An area of skin where rashes occur is possibly flaky or darker. Complications that may be found in measles patients include throat inflammation, bronchitis, pneumonia, otitis media, conjunctivitis, diarrhoea, and, in the most severe cases, encephalitis.
The director general stressed that measles can be prevented through vaccination and the vaccine currently used is more than 95-per-cen effectiveness. “Under the Ministry of Public Health’s immunity enhancing plan, Thai children must receive two doses of the combined MMR vaccines to prevent measles, rubella, and mumps,” he added. “The first one is given at age nine months and the second at 30 months.” 
“The mortality rate of measles in healthy children is low but it can be life-threatening in very young children and those suffering from malnutrition,” he added.