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Measles morbillivirus, also called measles virus, is a single-stranded, negative-sense, enveloped, non-segmented RNA virus of the genus Morbillivirus within the family Paramyxoviridae. It is the cause of measles. Humans are the natural hosts of the virus; no animal reservoirs are known to exist.

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Measles, or rubeola, is a viral infection that starts in the respiratory system. It still remains a significant cause of death worldwide, despite the availability of a safe, effective vaccine. The measles virus infects the respiratory tract first. However, it eventually spreads to other parts of the body through the bloodstream.

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Symptoms of measles generally first appear within 10 to 12 days of exposure to the virus. They include:

Dry cough and Runny Nose

Fever

Red Eyes

Sore Throat

Whit spots inside mouth

Diarrhea

Body Aches

Inflamed Lymph Nodes

A widespread skin rash is a classic sign of measles. This rash can last up to 7 days and generally appears within 14 days of exposure to the virus. It commonly develops on the head and slowly spreads to other parts of the body.

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Getting vaccinated is the best way to prevent measles. Two doses of the measles vaccine are 97% effective at preventing measles infection.

Children can receive their first vaccination at 12 months, or sooner if traveling internationally, and their second dose between the ages of 4 and 6. Adults who have never received an immunization can request the vaccine from their doctor.

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There's no specific treatment for an established measles infection. However, some measures can be taken to protect vulnerable individuals who have been exposed to the virus.

Post-exposure vaccination. Nonimmunized people, including infants, may be given the measles vaccination within 72 hours of exposure to the measles virus to provide protection against the disease. If measles still develops, the illness usually has milder symptoms and lasts for a shorter time.

Immune serum globulin. Pregnant women, infants and people with weakened immune systems who are exposed to the virus may receive an injection of proteins (antibodies) called immune serum globulin. When given within six days of exposure to the virus, these antibodies can prevent measles or make symptoms less severe.

Medications

Fever reducers. You or your child may also take over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Children's Motrin, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve) to help relieve the fever that accompanies measles.

Don't give aspirin to children or teenagers who have measles symptoms. Though aspirin is approved for use in children older than age 3, children and teenagers recovering from chickenpox or flu-like symptoms should never take aspirin. This is because aspirin has been linked to Reye's syndrome, a rare but potentially life-threatening condition, in such children.

Antibiotics. If a bacterial infection, such as pneumonia or an ear infection, develops while you or your child has measles, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic.

Vitamin A. Children with low levels of vitamin A are more likely to have a more severe case of measles. Giving vitamin A may lessen the severity of the measles. It's generally given as a large dose of 200,000 international units (IU) for children older than a year.

Take it easy. Get rest and avoid busy activities.

Sip something. Drink plenty of water, fruit juice and herbal tea to replace fluids lost by fever and sweating.

Seek respiratory relief. Use a humidifier to relieve a cough and sore throat.

Rest your eyes. If you or your child finds bright light bothersome, as do many people with measles, keep the lights low or wear sunglasses. Also avoid reading or watching television if light from a reading lamp or from the television is bothersome.

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Measles is Highly contagious and can spread by some of the following ways:

By mother to baby by pregnancy, labor, or nursing.

By airborne respiratory droplets (coughs or sneezes).

By saliva (kissing or shared drinks).

By skin-to-skin contact (handshakes or hugs).

By touching a contaminated surface (blanket or doorknob).

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Measles can be serious in all age groups. However, there are several groups that are more likely to suffer from measles complications:

Children younger than 5 years of age

Adults older than 20 yearsof age

Pregnant women

People with compromised immune systems, such as from leukemia or HIV infection

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Here is an example of an Adult with Measles.

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Here is an example of an Adult with Measles.

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The Best way to prevent the spread of Measles is the MMR vaccination.

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Your doctor can usually diagnose measles based on the disease's characteristic rash as well as a small, bluish-white spot on a bright red background (Koplik's spot) on the inside lining of the cheek. However, many doctors have never seen measles, and the rash can be confused with a number of other illnesses. If necessary, a blood test can confirm whether the rash is truly measles. The measles virus can also be confirmed with a test that generally uses a throat swab or urine sample.

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Here is an example of an Adult with Measles.

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Here is an example of an Adult with Measles.

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Here is an image of some children suffering from measles. In these images you can see the rash it causes to the majority of the body as well as the red oral spots.