dr. Regina Satya Wiraharja, M.Sc., a lecturer in the Primary Care Family Medicine Specialist Program at Atma Jaya Catholic University, explained that measles is caused by an RNA virus from the Paramyxoviridae family.
In his press statement on Wednesday, the doctor, who graduated from Gadjah Mada University, said that the virus that causes measles can be transmitted through droplets of saliva or mucus from sufferers that are spread in the air when breathing, coughing, or sneezing.
After entering the body, he explained, the virus that causes measles will multiply and spread through the lymphatic vessels, spleen, liver, and respiratory tract.
According to him, the incubation period for measles is generally eight to 14 days. Symptoms of the disease appear in several stages.
In the early stages, around two to seven days, measles sufferers usually have a high fever, feel weak, have a runny nose, cough, and their eyes are red and sensitive to light.
In some cases, characteristic spots may also appear on the inside of the cheeks known as Koplik spots .
The rash usually appears between days 4 and 14. A red rash may appear on the ears or face and then spread to the rest of the body within six to seven days. The rash is often accompanied by a high fever.
Entering the healing stage, the fever usually subsides in three to four days and the rash turns brownish and then gradually disappears within seven to 10 days.
"If someone experiences symptoms that suggest measles, they should immediately seek medical attention and limit contact with others to prevent further transmission," Regina said.
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