Measles and Spirits?

Dear Doctor,
Thanks for what have been doing for Nigerians at no cost in the Daily
sun. Your column has become a must read for me every Tuesday. Meanwhile, I would be happy if you can help me out on this important health matter that has become an enigma of a kind.

What is measles? Is it curable through orthodox medicine? Is it true that it allergenic to infection? What are the symptoms? How can it be prevented and cured? I am forced to ask the above questions surd discussions I listen to
everyday about measles (which continue to kill children without ceasing here in PH, even during rainy season). Some say it is caused by spirits that reside among plant sun as plantain.

Kindly help out.
DFE, Akure, Ondo State

Dear DFE,
Measles is a viral infection and is not caused by any spirits; okay? Viruses are microorganisms --the smallest form of life. Other forms of micro-organisms are bacteria, fungi and protozoa. Measles causes a high fever, red/pink conjunctivae, a distinctive skin rash, diarrhea and lowered immunity so that many measles sufferers also have bronchopneumonia and other infections.
Being a virus, there is no direct treatment for measles sufferers yet, but it is controlled by preventing it using immunization when the baby is 9 months old. Severe measles kills. Mild and moderate cases may also die from complications of this dreaded disease. Even a baby that has survived an attack of the disease may still die from the sequelae of measles. Anybody--baby or adult --that has a fever, red eyes and a cough especially in the dry season should see a doctor quick --it may be measles. They should also pray. True it is viruses that cause measles, not spirits. But spirits may take advantage of the prostrate, extremely weak and lowered immune system of the patient and attack. Prayer wards off such attacks.
Cheers