A 10 month old unimmunized child develops fever and a diffuse maculopapular rash on day 4 of fever starting from the face and spreading downwards. There is postauricular lymphadenopathy. What is the most likely diagnosis?
German measles
Measles
Varicella
Exanthem subitum
Ans. B. MeaslesIt is an RNA Paramyxovirus, very contagious. Incubation-10-12 days before prodrome appears. Prodrome-three Cs:a. Coughb. Coryzac. Conjunctivitisd. Koplik spots -/+1- cervical lymphadenitise. Rash-macular; starts at head, behind the ears and spreads downward reaching palms and soles;Fades in same manner. Rash typically starts about 4 day after the onset of fever.f. Treatment-supportive, vitamin Ag. Complications-otitis media (most common), pneumonia (most serious), encephalitish. Prevention-immunization.
Infection