Measles

Definition

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease caused by the measles virus, which belongs to the paramyxovirus family. Characterized by fever, cough, runny nose, and a distinctive red rash, measles can lead to serious complications, especially in young children. The virus spreads through respiratory droplets, making it one of the most infectious diseases known.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, but outbreaks still occur due to unvaccinated populations.
2. The measles virus can remain active on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person has left the area.
3. Complications from measles can be severe and include brain swelling (encephalitis), which occurs in about 1 in every 1,000 cases.
4. Before vaccination became widespread, measles caused an estimated 2.6 million deaths each year globally.
5. The MMR vaccine is highly effective, providing about 97% immunity against measles after two doses.

Review Questions

• How does the transmission of measles illustrate its contagious nature compared to other viral infections?
  • Measles is transmitted primarily through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Its contagious nature is illustrated by the fact that it can spread easily in crowded environments, with about 90% of susceptible individuals becoming infected after exposure. This high transmissibility sets measles apart from many other viral infections, emphasizing the importance of vaccination in preventing outbreaks.
• Discuss the impact of vaccination on the incidence of measles in populations and how this relates to herd immunity.
  • Vaccination has dramatically reduced the incidence of measles in many populations, leading to herd immunity when a significant portion of the population is immunized. This protection helps shield those who cannot be vaccinated, such as infants and individuals with weakened immune systems. However, when vaccination rates decline, herd immunity weakens, increasing the risk of outbreaks and exposing vulnerable populations to the virus.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of measles outbreaks in communities with low vaccination rates and how this reflects on public health policy.
  • Outbreaks of measles in communities with low vaccination rates have significant long-term consequences, including increased morbidity and mortality from complications associated with the disease. These situations highlight failures in public health policy regarding vaccine education and accessibility. In addition to health impacts, such outbreaks can strain healthcare resources and lead to increased healthcare costs. Addressing these issues is crucial for enhancing vaccination efforts and protecting public health.

Related terms

paramyxovirus: A family of viruses that includes the measles virus, known for causing various diseases in humans and animals, including mumps and respiratory syncytial virus.

vaccination:

A preventive measure involving the administration of a vaccine to stimulate immunity against specific diseases, including measles through the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine.

complications: Medical issues that can arise from measles infection, such as pneumonia, encephalitis, and otitis media, particularly affecting immunocompromised individuals or those who are unvaccinated.