HLTB21H3 Lecture : Measles
10 Dec 2012
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Document Summary
Confused on the past between smallpox and measles dating back to 7th century because both caused rashes on. Earliest description attributed to rhazes (900 ad) clinically separated smallpox and measles - believed that both proceeded from same cause the body; measles relatively newernot mentioned by hippocrates in 14bc. Prevailing theory - red rash represented the mother"s menstrual blood. Measles was way for child to rid himself of the so-called "poison . Measles also known as rubeola, hard measles, red measles, morbilli, hasbah. Origins of term measles" - misellus" or misella" i. e. miserable. 1670 - thomas sydenham"s observed clinical features; description of his son"s attack. Clearly separate measles from smallpox, and recognized complications related to measles= cancrum oris and encephalitis. Scientists rejected the mother"s blood theory and measles is infectious, contagious disease. 1757 - francis home demonstrated the infective nature - he succeeded in transmitting measles using blood from an infected child.
