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🦠microbiology review

Measles Virus

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

The measles virus is a highly contagious RNA virus that belongs to the Morbillivirus genus within the Paramyxoviridae family. It is the causative agent of the infectious disease known as measles, which can lead to serious complications if left untreated.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. The measles virus is primarily transmitted through direct contact with respiratory droplets or airborne transmission when an infected individual coughs or sneezes.
  2. The virus targets the respiratory system and immune system, leading to the characteristic symptoms of measles, including fever, cough, runny nose, and a distinctive red rash.
  3. Measles is a vaccine-preventable disease, and the measles vaccine is a highly effective way to prevent infection and the associated complications.
  4. The measles virus has a single-stranded, negative-sense RNA genome that encodes six structural proteins, including the hemagglutinin (H) and fusion (F) proteins, which are essential for viral entry and replication.
  5. Measles can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia, encephalitis (brain inflammation), and even death, particularly in young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

Review Questions

  • Describe the transmission and pathogenesis of the measles virus.
    • The measles virus is primarily transmitted through direct contact with respiratory droplets or airborne transmission when an infected individual coughs or sneezes. Once the virus enters the body, it targets the respiratory system and immune system, leading to the characteristic symptoms of measles, including fever, cough, runny nose, and a distinctive red rash. The virus has a single-stranded, negative-sense RNA genome that encodes six structural proteins, including the hemagglutinin (H) and fusion (F) proteins, which are essential for viral entry and replication. The virus can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia, encephalitis (brain inflammation), and even death, particularly in young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
  • Explain the importance of the measles vaccine in preventing measles infection and its associated complications.
    • Measles is a vaccine-preventable disease, and the measles vaccine is a highly effective way to prevent infection and the associated complications. The vaccine works by stimulating the body's immune system to produce antibodies against the measles virus, providing protection against future exposure. Vaccination is crucial in preventing the spread of measles and reducing the risk of serious complications, such as pneumonia, encephalitis, and even death. Maintaining high vaccination rates in the population is essential for achieving herd immunity and effectively controlling the spread of the measles virus.
  • Analyze the potential impact of the measles virus on public health and the importance of global efforts to eradicate the disease.
    • The measles virus poses a significant threat to public health, particularly in areas with low vaccination rates. Outbreaks of measles can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis, and even death, especially in vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. The global impact of measles is substantial, with the virus causing significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Eradicating measles requires a concerted, global effort, involving widespread vaccination campaigns, improved access to healthcare, and international collaboration to monitor and respond to outbreaks. Achieving measles elimination would not only save lives but also reduce the burden on healthcare systems and contribute to the overall improvement of global public health.