Measles were once a common childhood disease which is not seen as commonly anymore due to effective vaccinations. Measles are caused by a virus known, quite appropriately, as the measles virus. This virus is part of a category of viruses called the paramyxoviruses. Other viruses in the same general category include: mumps, respiratory syncytial virus, and parainfluenza virus. Complications due to a measles infection can be quite serious, however this infection has become somewhat rare due to widespread vaccination.

Measles is found worldwide. Due to its highly infectious nature, outbreaks in local regions are common, especially amongst children. Horrible epidemics of measles infections can become a very serious public health issue if the virus is introduced in to a community with little previous exposure or vaccination.

The measles virus is an RNA virus which is transmitted mostly via respiratory droplets when an infected person sneezes or coughs. These small water droplets are inhaled, allowing the virus to enter the newly infected person via the upper respiratory tract. Once the virus enters a new host, there is typically a delay of one to two weeks until the first symptoms become visible.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

The primary symptoms of a measles infection are a very distinctive rash. The rash typically are bright red, with a white central spot. They will first appear on the head and face. As the disease progresses, the rash will move down the body, especially on to the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

Interestingly, once the rash is noticeable, the infected person is no longer infectious to others. Of course, by then they have been passing the virus along to others for several days.

Other symptoms of a measles infection can include a fever, runny nose, coughing and red eyes (conjunctivitis).

COMPLICATIONS

Measles infections can be a very serious medical concern. As many as one in a thousand infected persons will suffer an encephalitis. This is an infection of the brain by the virus and can have a mortality rate of up to 10%. Over half of those who don't die of the encephalitis will suffer permanent damage to the brain.

Measles can also lead to either a primary pneumonia caused by the virus itself, or a secondary pneumonia caused by opportunistic bacteria that invade the weakened immune system.

Unfortunately, there is little that can be done to treat a measles infection once it has been acquired. Most the treatment revolves

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