Summary

In this Study Session, you have learned that:

• Measles, polio and hepatitis B are viral vaccine-preventable diseases; most infants and children are protected from these infections in most countries by routine vaccinations.
• Measles virus is easily transmitted from person to person by the respiratory route. Typical symptoms include fever, cough, running nose, red eyes, diarrhoea and a widespread rash. Severe measles may lead to complications such as ear infections, loss of eyesight and pneumonia.
• Vitamin A should be given to children with measles to prevent damage to the eyes, which may lead to blindness.
• Poliomyelitis (caused by poliovirus) is transmitted from person to person through the faeco-oral route. Most children with polio infection do not show symptoms, but a few may develop acute flaccid paralysis (AFP).
• Hepatitis B virus (HBV) has several routes of transmission, such as contact with infected blood or other body fluids, through wounds, from mother to child at birth, or during unprotected sexual intercourse.
• People with hepatitis B present with fever, weakness and jaundice. Children infected with HBV may become chronic carriers; long-term complications such as permanent liver damage or liver cancer can develop in later life.  
• Cases of measles, AFP and hepatitis should be actively searched in the community and reported. Diagnosis can only be confirmed by laboratory isolation of the viruses.
• Patients with severe complications of measles, AFP or signs of hepatitis, should be referred to the nearest health facility.
• There is no curative treatment for measles, polio or hepatitis B disease. Supportive treatment for reduction of symptoms of measles and hepatitis includes maintaining intake of nutrients and fluids. Exercise therapy may help to improve mobility in people with AFP.