Wgu Szt Task 2

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SZT Task # 3 Measles The measles, also known as rubeola, is a viral disease that affects the respiratory system. Measles is caused by the paramyxovirus family. The virus grows in the cells that line the back of the throat. (WHO) The measles disease is highly contagious and is transmitted by respiration either by indirect contact such as aerosol exposure or direct contact such as exposure to fluid in an infected person’s mouth and nose. (Wikipedia contributors) The virus also remains alive and contagious on exposed surfaces and in the air for up two hours. Measles is highly contagious, over 95 percent of non-immunized children will develop the disease if exposed to the virus.(CDC) Symptoms of the disease first appear 10 to 12 days after initial exposure to the virus. These symptoms include cough, runny nose,fever, malaise, red watery eyes , koplik’s spots and the hallmark skin rash.(CDC) Initially a fever develops, followed by runny nose, cough and water eyes and koplik’s spots(small white spots that develop within the cheek and mouth). After several days the rash develops ,initially to the head and upper neck, then spreads to the lower body. The rash may last up to 14 days.(WHO) Measles related deaths are most likely to occur to those individuals who are malnourished or have weakened immune systems due to conditions such as HIV and AIDS. Complications of the disease include encephalitis, blindness and pneumonia. Pregnant women are at high risk for miscarriage or preterm birth.(CDC) Those highest at risk for the infection are unvaccinated young children, unvaccinated pregnant woman and individuals who are non-immune to the disease. In the year 2011, 158,000 deaths around the world were caused by the measles, mostly children under the age of five.(WHO) Every year it is

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