Measles

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection caused by the measles virus, a member of the genus Morbillivirus within the family Paramyxoviridae. It primarily affects children but can occur at any age. Transmission occurs through respiratory droplets from coughs or sneezes. The virus enters the body via the nose, mouth, or throat, and symptoms begin to appear about 10 to 14 days after exposure. Initial signs include fever, cough, runny nose, inflamed eyes (conjunctivitis), and a characteristic red blotchy rash that spreads from the face and neck to the rest of the body.

Diagnosis is usually made clinically but can be confirmed through serological testing to detect measles-specific IgM antibodies or isolation of the measles virus from a clinical specimen. There is no specific antiviral treatment for measles; care is supportive, aiming to manage symptoms and prevent complications. Measles can lead to severe complications, especially in malnourished children and people with weakened immune systems, including pneumonia, encephalitis, and subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), a rare but fatal degenerative disease of the central nervous system. Preventive measures include the administration of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, which provides long-lasting immunity against the virus.