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Parkinson's disease

  Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that primarily affects movement. It occurs when nerve cells in the brain, particularly in the substantia nigra area, become damaged or die. These cells produce dopamine, a chemical that helps regulate smooth and coordinated muscle movements. As dopamine levels drop, symptoms worsen over time. Symptoms Symptoms generally develop gradually and may include: Tremors : Shaking, usually beginning in the hands or fingers. Bradykinesia : Slowness of movement, making everyday tasks challenging. Muscle Rigidity : Stiffness in limbs or trunk, limiting range of motion. Impaired Posture & Balance : Difficulty maintaining stability. Speech Changes : Speaking softly, quickly, or with hesitation. Writing Changes : Handwriting may become smaller and difficult to read. Causes The exact cause is unknown, but factors may include: Genetic Mutations : Rare, but some gene variations can increase risk. Environmental Factors : Exposure to tox...
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Measles

Measles: An Overview of Symptoms, Causes, and Prevention



Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that can lead to serious health complications. While it was once common in many parts of the world, vaccination has greatly reduced its incidence. However, recent outbreaks in areas with lower vaccination rates highlight the importance of continued awareness and prevention.

What is Measles?

Measles is caused by the measles virus, a member of the paramyxovirus family. It spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even talks. Measles is one of the most contagious diseases known, with a transmission rate of 90% for people who are not immune.

Symptoms of Measles

The symptoms of measles typically appear around 10-12 days after exposure to the virus. They usually begin with:

  • High fever: Often starting mild and increasing over a few days.
  • Cough: A dry, persistent cough is common.
  • Runny nose: Accompanied by sneezing and nasal congestion.
  • Red eyes (conjunctivitis): Irritation and sensitivity to light.
  • White spots inside the mouth: Known as Koplik spots, these are small, white lesions that appear inside the cheeks.

After a few days, a characteristic rash appears, usually starting on the face and spreading downward to the rest of the body. The rash typically begins as flat, red spots, which can eventually merge.

Causes of Measles

Measles is caused by the measles virus, which is part of the paramyxovirus group. It is transmitted through the air and by direct contact with respiratory secretions. Even a brief exposure to an infected person can lead to the disease.

Once the virus enters the respiratory tract, it replicates in the cells lining the nose, throat, and lungs before spreading to the rest of the body. Because the virus is so contagious, it can remain active in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left the area.

Complications of Measles

While many people recover from measles with no lasting effects, it can lead to serious complications, especially in young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. These complications include:

  • Pneumonia: The most common cause of death related to measles.
  • Encephalitis: Inflammation of the brain, which can result in seizures, permanent brain damage, and death.
  • Blindness: Caused by a rare but serious complication of the virus.
  • Ear infections: Can lead to permanent hearing loss.

In some cases, people who recover from measles can develop subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), a fatal condition that can appear years after the infection.

Prevention: The Role of Vaccination

The most effective way to prevent measles is through vaccination. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is a safe and highly effective way to protect against these diseases. The vaccine is typically administered in two doses:

  1. The first dose is given at 12-15 months of age.
  2. The second dose is given at 4-6 years of age.

Vaccination provides immunity to the measles virus, significantly reducing the risk of infection and the severity of symptoms in case of exposure.

In addition to vaccination, individuals should avoid contact with infected people, practice good hygiene, and ensure that their vaccinations are up-to-date.

Why Measles Still Occurs

While measles was once considered eradicated in many parts of the world, it has seen a resurgence due to a decline in vaccination rates. This decline is often due to misinformation about vaccine safety, hesitancy, or lack of access to healthcare in certain areas. These factors can lead to outbreaks, especially in communities where vaccination rates fall below the threshold needed to maintain herd immunity (around 95%).

Conclusion

Measles is a serious, preventable disease. With the availability of safe and effective vaccines, the global incidence of measles has decreased significantly, but outbreaks still occur in areas with low vaccination rates. It’s essential for individuals to stay informed, ensure their vaccinations are up to date, and advocate for the safety and efficacy of vaccines to protect themselves and others from the dangers of measles.

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