Department of Public Health: Measles, how to treat it.
ORANJESTAD - Measles is caused by a virus for which there is no cure. The body itself must fight the virus, and that takes time. What can an infected person do about it?
- Seek advice and instruction from your family doctor.
- To relieve fever, take medication such as paracetamol, put a (wash)cloth with Awa Maravilla (Witchhazel) on your forehead and around your neck, or bathe in cool water.
- To prevent dehydration, remember to drink plenty of water. No soda. No juice. They contain a lot of sugar.
- To relieve the itch, go to the drugstore and select medications that can be applied topically.
When the disease develops into a bacterial infection, for example, pneumonia, eye infection, or ear infection, doctors must fight the bacteria with antibiotics.
The best way to prevent measles is through vaccination. The vaccine that protects against measles is the MR (Measles, Rubella) vaccine or the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine. These vaccines have been on the market since 1971 and are safe for children and adults. Keep in mind that vaccination is a prevention method. It is neither a treatment nor a cure.
For more information, call 522-4200 or email servicio@dvg.aw or visit their website www.dvg.aw
