BMJ Best Practice Podcast Measles
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Sep 8, 2025 Linda Nield, a Professor of Medical Education and Pediatrics at West Virginia University, shares critical insights on the resurgence of measles. She highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis and effective management strategies, including the use of vitamin A supplementation. The conversation also tackles vaccine hesitancy among parents, navigating their concerns about vaccination timing, and the complexities of addressing unvaccinated children during outbreaks. Nield emphasizes the vital role of healthcare communication in building trust and ensuring safe immunization practices.
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Measles Clinical Picture And Risks
- Measles is an extremely contagious viral illness with a prodrome of fever, cough, runny nose, and conjunctivitis followed by a descending maculopapular rash.
- Complications range from otitis media to pneumonia, encephalitis, and death, so vigilance is essential.
Test Early With PCR And Notify Public Health
- If you suspect measles, consult infectious diseases and public health and send PCR swabs from oropharynx/nasopharynx and consider IgM serology.
- PCR is now the primary diagnostic test and urine oropharyngeal swabs and paired IgG can support diagnosis.
Don't Miss Measles Amid Common Viral Symptoms
- A frequent diagnostic pitfall is failing to consider measles because its prodrome mimics common viral illnesses.
- In 2025 outbreaks occurred even in the US, so clinicians must consider measles broadly.