Measles

Description:

Measles is a highly contagious vaccine-preventable disease caused by the measles virus, a member of the genus Morbillivirus in the family paramyxoviridae. It is spread by droplets or direct contact with nasal or throat secretions of infected persons; less commonly by airborne spread or by articles freshly soiled with secretions of nose and throat. Measles is one of the most readily transmitted communicable diseases and probably the best known and most deadly of all childhood rash/fever illnesses.

Etiologic Agent:

• Filterable virus of measles

Mode of transmission:

By droplet spread or direct contact with infected persons, or indirectly through articles freshly soiled with secretions of nose and throat, in some instances, probably airborne.

Incubation Period:

10 days from exposure to appearance of fever. And about 14 days until rash appears.


Prevention:

Live attenuated viral measles vaccine - one dose given by the intramuscular or subcutaneous route, with opportunity for second dose at least one month after the first.

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