Measles / Rubella? (acute viral infection)

Gabriel Metsu
1629, Leiden - 1667, Amsterdam, Netherland

Gabriel Metsu was born in Leiden, the son of a Flemish painter who had fled to the north. He was a pupil of Gerrit Dou, a painter of genre scenes and the founder of the so-called ‘fine painting school’, which was characterized by its excellent finish.

♦ The sick child ♦

A feverish child, a bowl of porridge on a small table, and a worried mother.

♦ Diagnosis
Main symptoms: Fever, measles-like rash, vasospasms on the face and legs.
Secondary symptoms: Young girl, 6-10 years old, well developed, normal weight.
Clinical diagnosis: Acute viral infection, measles? (rubeola?)

♦ Definition: measles
Acute infectious disease characterized by a measles-like rash and inflammation of the mucous membranes of the eyes and respiratory tract. After an incubation period of approximately two weeks, the disease begins with a runny nose, cough, conjunctivitis, and the appearance of Koplik spots on the mucous membrane of the mouth.
On the third or fourth day, the patient develops a cold, fever, and dark pink to red papule-like spots, usually first on the face or behind the ears. These are grouped in half-moons and sometimes merge into each other.
After three to four days, the spots gradually fade and are followed by peeling skin.
The symptoms are worst when the rash appears.
The disease is caused by a virus, mainly affects children, is extremely contagious, and one attack of the disease usually provides lifelong immunity.

♦ Discussion
The child is suffering from an acute illness, as apart from the fever, she is still in good condition. She may have been playing outside a few hours earlier when she was suddenly overcome by chills, loss of appetite, and weakness in her legs.
Any viral or bacterial infection can start this way. Only the rash and the knowledge that children in the neighborhood or at the same school have had measles can lead to a correct diagnosis.

Bron: Jan Dequeker

Jan Dequeker
The artist and the doctor are looking at paintings.

Photos
wikipedia.org
wikimedia.org