2026, Number 3
Measles in Mexico and dental considerations related.
Orellana CJE, Orellana CM, Morales CV, Leyva DJE, Hernández AME, Ricardez EVA, Acevedo MAE
Full text
10.35366/123430
Language: Spanish
References: 9
Page: 167-169
PDF size: 625.42 Kb.
ABSTRACT
Measles is an acute viral disease that has been known for more than 2,000 years; it was not until 1846, following Panum's observations in the Faroe Islands, that the disease was proven to be contagious. Measles is transmitted by direct contact with Flügge's droplets, and the peak incidence of the disease occurs in late winter and spring. It is considered highly contagious. The disease is characterized by fever, cough, coryza, and conjunctivitis, followed by a maculopapular rash that begins on the face and spreads cephalocaudally. During the prodromal period, a pathognomonic enanthema may be present on the inner cheek and at the level of the second upper molar, described by Henry Koplik in the late 19th century as small irregular erythematous spots with a whitish dot (Koplik spots). It is important to consider that this sign in the oral cavity, the high possibility of contagion through droplets expelled by the patient, puts dental personnel at high risk of contagion, which is why it is important for dentists to take into account biosafety measures and have basic knowledge about the disease and how it is behaving in Mexico.REFERENCES