Measles

Measles is a highly contagious infection caused by a measles virus which presents with a characteristic maculopapular rash, cough, coryza, conjunctivitis and Koplik spots ( pathognomonic of measles )

Back ground - Caused by Paramyxovirus It is an RNA virus - humans are the natural host and reservoir Incubation period is 10-14 days Highly contagious illness -spread is via respiratory droplets In fact it is the most infectious of all diseases transmitted through the respiratory route The virus replicates in the epithelial cells of the respiratory tract- spreads subsequently to the lymphoid tissue and blood leading to viremia Measles can be severe in○ Immunocompromised individuals○ young infants○ pregnant women - increased risk of miscarriage , stillbirth or preterm delivery Season- late winter to spring Infectiousness - maximal in 4 days before and 4 days after the rash develops Measles has been around for over 1000 yrs

How common- Widespread use of vaccination has reduced incidence worldwide UK MMR vaccination was introduced in 1988 Most effective way to control measles is via vaccination It still accounts for substantial morbidity and mortality○ particularly in regions of Africa and SE Asia○ 6 th leading cause of death worldwide ( 1997 )○ incidences have...