🧠 What is Measles?
Measles, also known as rubeola or morbilli, is a highly contagious viral disease caused by the Measles virus (MeV), a single-stranded RNA virus of the genus Morbillivirus (medlineplus.gov). Despite being vaccine-preventable, Measles still poses a significant health risk—especially where vaccination rates drop.
🧬 Causes & Transmission
Measles spreads via infectious droplets when a person coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets can linger in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours (akamai.mayoclinic.org). About 90% of non-immune individuals sharing a space with someone infected will become infected themselves (en.wikipedia.org). People are contagious from approximately four days before to four days after the rash appears (akamai.mayoclinic.org).
⏳ Incubation & Course of Disease
- Incubation period typically ranges from 10–14 days after exposure (can be 6–21 days) (rarediseases.org).
- The prodrome or early symptoms—known as the “three C’s”—include fever, cough, coryza (runny nose), and conjunctivitis (cdc.gov).
- Around day 2–3, Koplik spots appear inside the mouth—tiny white spots on a red background (cdc.gov).
- A maculopapular rash follows 3–5 days later, starting at the hairline and spreading downward (cdc.gov).
- Recovery: The rash wanes over 7–10 days, though cough may linger (rarediseases.org).
🤒 Symptoms & Complications
Common Symptoms:
- High fever (often >104 °F) (cdc.gov)
- Persistent cough, runny nose, red/watery eyes (cdc.gov)
- Koplik spots and red rash
- Potential Complications:
- Ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia (major cause of death) (cdc.gov)
- Severe cases may lead to encephalitis, hospitalization (~1 in 5 unvaccinated), and even death (~1–3 per 1,000 cases) (cdc.gov)
- Pregnant individuals face risks like miscarriage and low birth weight (newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org)
- Long-term rare complications: SSPE—a fatal brain disorder years later (~1 in 100,000 cases) (betterhealth.vic.gov.au)
- Immune suppression follows infection, increasing susceptibility to other illnesses (en.wikipedia.org)
💉 Prevention & Vaccine
The most effective prevention is the Measles vaccine, given as MMR (measles‑mumps‑rubella) or MMRV (my.clevelandclinic.org). Vaccination schedule:
- First dose: 12–15 months
- Second dose: 4–6 years
- Additional doses recommended for international travelers or those with incomplete schedules
Effectiveness:
- One dose: ~93%; Two doses: ~97–99% (my.clevelandclinic.org)
- Herd immunity requires >95% coverage to prevent outbreaks
🩺 Diagnosis & Treatment
Diagnosis is clinical—based on rash, Koplik spots, and exposure history—with confirmation via blood tests or viral PCR from throat swabs or urine .
Post-exposure measures:
- Vaccine within 72 hours can lessen severity
- Immune globulin within six days for high-risk individuals
Treatment is supportive:
- Rest, fluids, fever reducers (e.g., acetaminophen)
- Vitamin A for children under 5 reduces morbidity (en.wikipedia.org, medlineplus.gov)
- Antibiotics if secondary bacterial infections occur
🌍 Public Health Impact
Though declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, Measles has resurged due to declining vaccination rates and international travel (en.wikipedia.org, sncs-prod-external.mayo.edu). Globally, measles continues to cause significant morbidity and mortality, especially among unvaccinated populations.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the difference between MMR and MMRV vaccines?
A: MMR protects against measles, mumps, and rubella; MMRV adds varicella (chickenpox). Both follow the same dosing schedule .
Q: Can you still get measles after vaccination?
A: It’s unlikely after two doses. One dose is ~93% effective; two doses reach ~97–99% protection .
Q: Is post-exposure vaccination effective?
A: Yes—if given within 72 hours it can reduce symptoms. Immune globulin within six days is recommended for infants, pregnant individuals, and immunocompromised people.
Q: Who is at heightened risk of severe complications?
A: Children under 5, adults over 20, pregnant people, and immunocompromised individuals (en.wikipedia.org).
Q: What is SSPE?
A: Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis is a rare, fatal brain disease that appears years after measles infection (~1 in 100,000 cases) (betterhealth.vic.gov.au).
✅ In Summary
Measles progresses through stages—from incubation to prodrome, Koplik spots, rash, and recovery. It carries significant risks—especially for vulnerable groups—but the MMR/MMRV vaccines offer highly effective protection. Supportive care, including Vitamin A for young children, aids recovery. Maintaining high vaccination coverage (>95%) is the most reliable way to prevent outbreaks and safeguard public health.
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