Measles is an acute, eruptive respiratory infectious disease caused by the measles virus. China Disease Control WeChat official account recently released information that measles can occur in all seasons, most common in winter and spring, and children are the main susceptible population. Measles is one of the most contagious diseases, and patients are the source of infection for measles. It is contagious from the end of the disease's incubation period to 5 days after the outbreak. People who have not suffered from measles and have not been vaccinated against measles are susceptible to infection and disease after coming into contact with measles patients. In addition, measles is mainly transmitted through respiratory droplets, and patients can spread the virus into the air through sneezing, coughing, and other methods. Susceptible individuals can become infected by inhaling the virus; It can also be transmitted through direct contact with the secretions of infected individuals. What are the clinical symptoms? 1. Incubation period: about 10 days (7-21 days). At the end of the incubation period, there may be a mild increase in body temperature. 2. Premature period (pre rash stage): generally 2-4 days. The main symptoms include: fever, with body temperature reaching 38 ℃ or even higher; Symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, coughing, upper respiratory tract symptoms, as well as tearing, photophobia, and conjunctivitis. After 2-3 days of fever, blue and white spots with red halos can be seen around the oral and cheek mucosa, known as Koplik spots, which are a hallmark of early diagnosis of measles. 3. Rash period: After 2-5 days of fever, characteristic rashes may appear: from behind the ear, hairline, forehead, face, and neck, they start to spread from top to bottom to the trunk, limbs, palms, and soles of the feet, forming rose colored papules with normal skin between the rashes. When the rash occurs, the body temperature reaches its peak and systemic symptoms worsen. 4. Recovery period: If there are no complications, the body temperature begins to decrease after the rash appears, entering the recovery period. After the rash appears completely, it gradually fades in the order of appearance, with a darker color, pigmentation, and bran like peeling. It subsides after 2-3 weeks. The rash subsides while the body temperature drops to normal, and the condition self recovers. How to prevent measles? Getting vaccinated against measles is the most effective measure to prevent measles by enhancing the immune system of the population through vaccination with measles containing components. At present, the measles vaccine strain used in China is S191, and the antibodies produced after immunization can neutralize different genotypes of measles virus epidemic strains. Whether using a single vaccine or a combination vaccine, it has good effects on the prevention of measles. It is very important for eligible children to receive timely vaccination according to the immunization program. Since June 2020, China has implemented an immunization strategy of receiving one dose of the measles, mumps, rubella combination vaccine at the ages of 8 months and 18 months, respectively. Other preventive measures: 1. Control the source of infection: Strengthen patient management, adhere to early detection, diagnosis, isolation, and treatment. 2. Pay attention to indoor air circulation, open windows for ventilation, and air dry bedding. At the same time, it is important to pay attention to cold and warm protection, maintain good personal hygiene habits, balance diet, and enhance immunity. 3. Strengthen physical exercise and enhance physical fitness. 4. Try not to go to crowded public places with poor air circulation, especially pay attention to strengthening the protection of infants and young children under 8 months old who have not yet reached the age of vaccination. If you have to go, be sure to take personal protective measures, such as wearing masks scientifically, to reduce the chance of contracting measles. (Lai Xin She)