This research paper will investigate the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccination. Included in the presentation will be etiologic agents, signs, symptoms, duration, and complications for all three illnesses, the history of the MMR vaccine development, evidences for Pro regarding the vaccine, and five main points supporting the MMR vaccination.
Measles is a human respiratory infection that is caused by the measles virus, it is also called rubeola. Prior to the vaccine, the disease tended to occur in springtime epidemics, resulting in serious or fatal consequences. Measles is highly contagious, with a 90% occurrence if living in the same house and nonimmunized (Epidemiology, 1998, pp. 117-124; Novitt-Moreno, KidsHealth at the AMA staff, & Eppes, 1998, pp. 1-4).
Measles is spread by contact with nose and mouth fluids or by airborne droplets; contagion lasts from 1 to 2 days before symptoms appear to 4 days after rash appears. Symptoms appear around 9 days after exposure. If the mother has had the disease or has been immunized, a baby is generally protected against measles for 6 to 8 months after birth. Most cases are found in nonimmunized children (Epidemiology, 1998, pp. 117-124; Novitt-Moreno, et al., 1998, pp. 1-4).
Symptoms include rash, initial irritability, runny nose, red and sensitive eyes, cough, and high fever (as high as 105 degrees F). Rash can appear 3 or 4 or even 8 days after these symptoms or as soon as one day after. Koplik's spots are the identifying sign of measles; small, red, odd shaped spots with blue-white centers, inside the mouth, appearing before the rash. The rash usually starts on the forehead and fades in the same order; pealing may occur. Duration of the illness is around 10 to 14 days. Diarrhea is the most commonly reported complication. Children with measles are susceptible to further complications from bacterial infections such as ear infections, pneumonia, encephalitis (common in adu...