The measles virus is a
single stranded, negative sense, enveloped RNA virus of the genus Morbillivirus
and the main cause of the measles virus. The natural host for the measles virus is humans.
Measles is highly contagious and can spread through the air. Normally, the virus grows in the back of the
throat and lungs. When someone infected
with measles sneezes, the droplets from the sneeze go into the air and enter
through a new host’s nose or throat after the new host touches an infected
surface. Before the 1950s, nearly all children acquired measles before the age
of 15, 450-500 people died from the measles and 1,000 suffered brain damage or
deafness. Currently, only 60cases a year are reported in the US. In developing
countries measles affects 1 out of 4 people due to more cases of malnutrition
and vitamin A deficiency. It is also the leading cause of blindness in Africa.Worldwide,
there are estimated to be 20 million cases and 164,000 deaths each year, with
most of the deaths occurring in India.
Virus Life cycle
Transmission
Complications, Signs and
Symptoms
Some common symptoms of
the measles virus are: blotchy rash, cough, fever, runny nose, tiny white spots
with bluish-white centers found inside the mouth (Koplik’s spots), and
conjunctivitis. These symptoms normally occur within 7-14 days after infection.
After development, 30% of measles
cases are complicated by pneumonia, ear infections, diarrhea.
Treatment
Although there is no
treatment for measles, after a few days the symptoms disappear. The symptoms
may be alleviated by antibiotics, NSAIDs, and rest.
Helpful hints
http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/0/21143412
http://immunopaedia.org.za/index.php?id=846
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