Measles
Einstein Health Glossary
ICD 10 - B05
What is measles?
Measles is a contagious disease caused by a virus from the Paramyxoviridae family, Morbillivirus genus. The main symptoms include high fever, red skin rash (a change in the color and texture of the skin), red eyes, cough, and other cold-like symptoms. It can be a serious illness, especially in young children, but it is preventable through vaccination.
The infection spreads through direct contact with respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can remain in the air or on surfaces for a while, making it easy to transmit from one person to another.
Symptoms
Measles symptoms can vary, but they generally follow a specific pattern. They include:
- high fever: measles usually begins with a high fever, often above 38 °C (101 °F)
- conjunctivitis (red and watery eyes): the eyes become red, irritated, and watery due to inflammation
- runny nose: a watery nasal discharge, similar to what occurs with a common cold
- dry cough: common in the early stages of measles infection
Causes
Measles is caused by a virus from the Paramyxoviridae family, Morbillivirus genus. The main causes and characteristics of measles include:
- measles virus (Morbillivirus): measles is specifically caused by the measles virus, which is highly resilient in the environment and can remain active for several hours on surfaces and in the air
- transmission: it occurs mainly through direct contact with respiratory droplets expelled by an infected person when they cough, sneeze, or talk. An infected person can transmit the disease from a few days before until a few days after the onset of the skin rash (a condition that causes changes in the appearance of the skin)
Diagnosis
Measles diagnosis is usually based on clinical evaluation of symptoms and specific tests. The combination of characteristic symptoms and laboratory confirmation is essential for an accurate diagnosis. The main diagnostic methods include:
- clinical evaluation: a healthcare professional can diagnose measles based on the patient’s symptoms, such as high fever, conjunctivitis, cough, runny nose, skin rash, and other characteristic signs
- exposure history: the doctor may ask about recent exposure to people with measles, especially if the patient has been in areas where outbreaks have occurred
- laboratory tests: these may be performed to confirm the measles diagnosis. The main types of tests include:
- PCR test (polymerase chain reaction): detects the presence of the measles virus’s genetic material
- serology test: detects the presence of specific antibodies against the measles vírus
Treatment and Prevention
Initial prevention of measles is primarily achieved through vaccination. Here are the main preventive measures:
- vaccination: the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, and rubella) is an effective preventive measure. It is typically administered during childhood, with a second dose given later in childhood or adolescence. The vaccine is safe, effective, and has been crucial in controlling the spread of measles in many parts of the world
- mass vaccination: in response to outbreaks or in areas with low vaccination rates, mass vaccination campaigns may be implemented to increase coverage and contain the spread of the virus
- herd immunity: maintaining high vaccination coverage in the community helps create herd immunity, reducing virus transmission and protecting those who cannot receive the vaccine for medical reasons
- awareness promotion: public education about the importance of vaccination, the benefits of immunization, and vaccine safety is essential to ensure people understand the value of prevention
It is important to note that the vaccine should not be administered to individuals with compromised immune systems.
References
Measles – Brazilian Ministry of Health
Measles – Virtual Health Library
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