Clinical Presentation & Protocol
Patient Usually Complains Of
Patient presents with a prodromal phase characterized by high-grade fever, cough, coryza, and conjunctivitis. History of exposure to a confirmed case or lack of vaccination noted. Progression to a maculopapular, erythematous rash starting on the face/hairline and spreading cephalocaudally.
Clinical Examination Findings
General: Febrile, appears ill. HEENT: Conjunctival injection, photophobia, Koplik spots on buccal mucosa. Respiratory: Tachypnea, coarse breath sounds. Skin: Confluent maculopapular rash, blanching, distributed cephalocaudally; sparing of palms and soles. Lymphadenopathy: Generalized cervical lymphadenopathy.
Treatment Protocol
Supportive care: Antipyretics (acetaminophen/ibuprofen) for fever. Vitamin A supplementation (per WHO/AAP guidelines) to reduce morbidity. Maintain hydration and nutritional status. Monitor for secondary complications (otitis media, pneumonia, encephalitis). Isolation precautions (airborne) for 4 days post-rash onset.