Measles

Definition

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection characterized by fever, cough, runny nose, inflamed eyes, and a widespread skin rash. It is an important public health concern due to its potential for severe complications, especially in unvaccinated populations, and represents a significant example of both emerging and re-emerging infections as vaccination rates fluctuate globally.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Measles is caused by the measles virus, which is part of the Paramyxovirus family and can live on surfaces for up to two hours, making it highly contagious.
2. Symptoms typically appear 10-14 days after exposure and can include high fever, cough, runny nose, and the characteristic red rash that usually starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body.
3. Severe complications from measles can include pneumonia, encephalitis (swelling of the brain), and death, particularly among young children and those with weakened immune systems.
4. Vaccination against measles has proven to be effective; since the introduction of the MMR vaccine in the 1970s, cases have dramatically decreased in regions with high vaccination coverage.
5. Measles outbreaks have been reported in areas with declining vaccination rates due to vaccine hesitancy, highlighting the importance of maintaining herd immunity to protect vulnerable populations.

Review Questions

• How does measles exemplify the challenges associated with emerging and re-emerging infections?
  • Measles illustrates the challenges of emerging and re-emerging infections by highlighting how fluctuations in vaccination rates can lead to outbreaks. In recent years, there have been instances where vaccine hesitancy has caused a decline in measles immunization coverage, leading to a resurgence of the disease in communities that were previously considered safe. This demonstrates how a decrease in herd immunity can result in increased transmission of an otherwise preventable infection.
• Discuss the role of herd immunity in controlling measles outbreaks and how it is impacted by vaccination rates.
  • Herd immunity plays a crucial role in controlling measles outbreaks by ensuring that a significant portion of the population is immune to the virus, either through vaccination or past infection. When vaccination rates are high, it reduces the chances of transmission, protecting those who cannot be vaccinated due to medical reasons. However, if vaccination rates fall below a certain threshold (typically around 95% for measles), herd immunity weakens, leading to increased susceptibility within the population and higher risks of outbreaks.
• Evaluate the public health implications of measles outbreaks in light of global vaccination trends and misinformation about vaccines.
  • The public health implications of measles outbreaks are significant, particularly as misinformation about vaccines has contributed to declining vaccination rates in some communities. Outbreaks not only result in increased morbidity and mortality but also strain healthcare resources and create fear within populations. Evaluating these trends reveals that addressing vaccine hesitancy through education and outreach is essential for preventing future outbreaks. It emphasizes the need for coordinated public health efforts to ensure that accurate information is disseminated and that vaccination programs are accessible and trusted by all segments of society.

Related terms

Rubeola: Another name for measles, derived from its Latin name 'rubeola,' which refers to the red rash associated with the disease.

MMR vaccine: A combination vaccine that protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, significantly reducing the incidence of these diseases since its introduction.

Herd immunity:

A form of indirect protection from infectious diseases that occurs when a significant portion of a population becomes immune, reducing the overall spread and protecting those who cannot be vaccinated.