Warning Signs Linked To Measles

High Fever

A high fever is characterized by a temporary but severe increase in the temperature of an individual's body. This high temperature happens when pyrogens or chemicals in a patient's bloodstream bind to receptors in their hypothalamus. When this binding occurs, it increases the body temperature point to higher than it normally is. Pyrogens are produced by the immune system's white blood cells when they detect certain viruses and bacteria in an individual's bloodstream. The body's response of temperature increase is a natural mechanism the body uses in an attempt to eradicate bacteria and viruses. This mechanism can be effective since most viruses and bacteria cannot survive in high temperatures. When an individual contracts the measles, their immune system detects it, and it releases pyrogens that cause the hypothalamus to increase body temperature. While a fever sounds like it could be very helpful in getting rid of the measles, it is not always a good thing for an individual to have such a high body temperature. If the body's temperature exceeds a certain threshold, the patient may experience convulsions or seizures.

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