What it means
A viral illness that spreads through the air and is one of the most contagious diseases known. It starts with high fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes; small white spots inside the cheeks (Koplik spots) may appear; then a red, blotchy rash starts on the face and spreads down the body. It can lead to pneumonia, brain swelling (encephalitis) and death, most often in young children. The MMR vaccine prevents it.
For the nurse
Use airborne precautions: an airborne infection isolation (negative-pressure) room and a fitted N95 respirator. Check the vaccine status of clients and staff, and teach families that the MMR vaccine is given in two doses in childhood.
In a chart
"4-year-old, unvaccinated, with fever 39.8°C, cough and maculopapular rash spreading from the face; placed in airborne isolation."
At a glance
| Spanish | sarampión |
|---|---|
| Also written | rubeola |
Related terms
vaccine
A product that trains the immune system to protect the body against a specific disease.
infectious disease
An illness caused by a germ such as a bacterium, virus, fungus or parasite.
precaution
A step taken ahead of time to prevent harm, such as the infection-control practices used with every client.
pneumonia
An infection of one or both lungs in which the air sacs fill with fluid or pus.