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Difference Between Measles and Chickenpox

May

6

2011

What are the differences between Measles and Chickenpox?

In: Disease Asked By: Lyka Ricks [407 Blue Star Level]
Answer #1

Measles and chickenpox are two known diseases that are most commonly affect the young children and the infants. Measles is medically known as rubella or morbilli disease that primarily targets the respiratory disease. The culprit of such disease is found to be a virus known as the paramyxovirus. Chickenpox, on the other hand, is otherwise termed as varicella. This disease is also caused by a virus which was discovered to be the varicella zoster virus, which is highly manifested by the outburst of vesicular skin rashes.

Despite the fact that such diseases primarily target the younger population, these childhood illnesses are known to be different from one another. While measles can be prevented through the injection of a vaccine known as MMR, chickenpox has no known vaccine in preventing such disease to occur.

Another difference between the two is the degree of their effect to humans. Chickenpox is one form of disease that is known to be highly contagious, even by just mere physical contact. In fact, chickenpox can be fatal for the first few days of onset, if not critically monitored and intervened. Measles, on the contrary, are said to have a milder effect and is known to be easily cured.

Apart from the previously cited differences, measles differ from chickenpox in terms of manifestations. Measles are often detected through the appearance of rash, named Koplik’s spots. It is often accompanied with cough, nasal congestion and red eyes. Chickenpox, however, is more often acquainted with high grade fever. After several days, vesicular skin rashes start to appear from the central parts of the body outwards.

Although these two diseases share similarities and bear disparities, measles and chickenpox should properly be addressed to prevent onset of complications and to restore one’s optimal level of functioning.

Answers Answered By: katrina [385 Blue Star Level]
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