Measles is an infecticious viral illness that can result to serious complications if untreated.

Although
measles vaccination is effective, anyone can be infected with the virus whether they have been infected
or not. Measles is mostly common among young children and can be fatal if not treated early. Also
known as rubeola, the virus causes at least 100,00 deaths annually among children below the age of 5
years (Watstein and Jovanovic 284).

Although Measles was discovered in the 18th century, it was isolated and described in 1954 by Thomas
C.Peebles. The World War II pilot turned into a doctor as he isolated the virus in an 11-year old boy.
Further, the Rubells virus was recognized and isolated in 1962 by Weller and Parkman (Center for
Disease Control).

Measles is caused by an infectious agent known as single-stranded RNA virus. The virus belongs o the
morbilivirus genus , which is under the paramyxoviridae family. Some of the important virulence factors
of the virus include its portal of entry, which is in the respiratory mucous membranes of the human
body. Further, the Fusion and Humagglutinin proteins interact and create a form of attachment where
the viral envelope with other cellular receptors is made. This makes the hemaglutinin and fusion
glycoproteins the virulence factors of the virus. Another protein that is involved in the assembly of the
virus is the (M) protein which spread to the lymph system thus entering the whole bloodstream and
infected multiple organs. Additionally, The Rubella virus is circular of oval in shape and it enters the
bloodstream through endocytosis. Replication is very slow and it may last between 8 to 12 hours while
the structural protein appear after at least 12 to 16 hours. Further, the peak of the virus is between 36
to 48 hours (Watstein and Jovanovic 284)

Measles is a very contagious disease as it is easily transmitted through sneezes, coughs, and breathes.
The airborne spread of the disease infects 9 in 10 people who are within the same proximity as the
infected person for as long as two hours. In other words the virus remains contagious in the air for about
two hours after the infected person has left the vicinity. Furthermore, direct contact with an infected
person is also possible through infecticious droplets of the virus. Transmission can begin as early as four
days after a person has been infected. This is normally 4 days before a person experiences physical
symptoms such as the rash (CDC)

The progression of measles is divided into four main phases namely the incubation period, the
prodromal phase, the rash and recovery phase. The incubation period of measles is between seven to
16 days after one has been exposed to the disease. It is then followed by the prodromal phase, where
the onset of the first symptoms is evident. The symptoms include fever, cough, red eyes and a running
nose. Two to four days after the symptoms appear, the infected person begins the rash phase where the
rashes worsen but they are not itchy. Red spots appear on the forehead, the neck and the ears. The next
two to four days are also followed by similar rashes spreading to the rest of the body. Five to five days
later, the recovery stage begins as the rashes fades as the infected individual goes back to normal
conditions (Watstein and Jovanovic 284)

Once infected, an individual will exhibit symptoms such as rashes, coughing, running nose, fever
and redness of the eyes. In other severe cases, other symptoms may include ear infections, pneumonia,
diarrhoea and inflammation of the brain. The progression of these symptoms is dependent on an
individual's stage of infection. Although one may assume that rashes are the first symptoms, hacking
coughs normally come first. Other children may shows signs of Koplik's spots containing small red spots
inside their mouths. As the rash spreads within 3 days of infection, it also disappears along with the
fever within 5 days after it is experienced. This means that the rash will appear within 7-18 days during
the exposure period. If caught early, measles is treatable and can result to complete recovery. In other
cases complications resulting from the virus could result to serious issues such as blindness, and
respiratory infections. Pregnant mothers who are exposed to the virus may also encounter
complications such as miscarriages and preterm deliveries (World Health Organization).

Based on recent research, there is no specific antiviral treatment available for treating the measles virus.
There are however measures used to ensure that the infected individuals get throught he symptoms
that last for about two weeks. For instance, infected people are advised to take plenty of fluids such as
water and get extra rest to boost their immune systems. Children can also take ibuprofen and
acetaminophen to reduce the fever. According to the World Health Organization(WHO), the
recommendation of oral rehydration solution is advised to serve as a replacement for staying hydrated
especially after vomiting and diarrhea (World Health Organization). Furthermore, Vitamin A
supplements are recommended for children between 6 to 24 months. This reduces the complications
and deaths associated with the virus. Also, children with measles should receive special care while under
quarantine for at least four days after the rash has appeared. It will help them strengthen their immune
system, deal with malnutrition and vitamin A deficiencies. (Center for Disease Control)

Globally, children under the age of 5 years are the most exposed population to measles. the
prevalence of measles in children causes at least 100,000 deaths globally every year.
Furthermore, developing countries have the highest numbers of measles deaths with the
greatest incidence among children below the age of 2 years. This is because the children are
have poor nutrition and access to quality foods. Before the measles vaccine was introduced in
the 1950s, 90 percent of all children below 10 years contacted measles (World Health
Organization)
Measles can be diagnosed by a an examination of skin rashes and checking of other symptoms
by a doctor. Other symptoms that the doctor can check include white spots in the mouth,
coughing and sore throat. Additionally, doctors can use a blood test to diagnose measles. In
preventing measles, the two vaccines commonly used are MMR and MMRV. These two
vaccines protect children and adults from measles, rubella, and chickenpox. At-risk groups such
as children with tuberculosis and cancer, pregnant mothers and children with allergic reactions
history should not be vaccinated. As a result, it is important for pregnant mother to receive the
schedule for vaccination so as to avoid immunization issues in the future (Center fo Disease
Control)
In conclusion, measles is a infectious respiratory virus that is transmitted through direct contact of
coughing, sneezing and breathing. Its prevalence is in children below the age of five years. Although
there is not treatment, prevention measures include measles vaccinations for both children and adults.
Infected individuals should be quarantined to avoid the spread of the disease. Additionally, infected
children should take vitamin A supplements while staying hydrating with fluids to boost their immunity.
References
CDC. "Measles | For Healthcare Professionals | CDC." Cdc.gov. N.p., 2018. Web. 7
May 2018.
Center fo Disease Control. "Pinkbook | Rubella | Epidemiology Of Vaccine
Preventable Diseases | CDC." Cdc.gov. N.p., 2017. Web. 7 May 2018.
Watstein, Sarah, and John Jovanovic. Statistical Handbook On Infectious Diseases.
Greenwood Publishing Group, 2003. Print.
World Health Organization. "Measles." World Health Organization. N.p., 2018. Web.
7 May 2018.