Surname 1

Student Name

Professor Name

Course

Date

Measles

Measles is an infectious viral illness that can result to serious complications. Although

measles vaccination is effective, anyone can be infected with the virus whether they have been

vaccinated or not. Measles is mostly common among young children and can be fatal if not

managed early. Also known as rubeola, the virus causes at least 100,000 deaths annually among

children below the age of 5 years globally (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 Rubella 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 to the morbilivirus genus, which is under the paramyxoviridae family. Some of the

important virulence factors of the virus include hemaglutinin and fusion glycoproteins. Further,

the Fusion and Humagglutinin proteins interact and create a form of attachment where the viral

envelope with other cellular receptors. Another protein that is involved in the assembly of the

virus is the (M) protein, which spreads to the lymph system thus entering the whole bloodstream

and infecting multiple organs. Additionally, The Rubella virus is circular or oval in shape and it
 Surname 2

enters the bloodstream through endocytosis. Replication is very slow and it may last between 8

to 12 hours while the structural protein appears 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 can facilitate transmission through infectious

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 seven days later, the recovery stage begins as the

rashes fade and the infected individual goes back to normal conditions (Watstein and Jovanovic

284)
 Surname 3

Once infected, an individual will exhibit symptoms such as rashes, coughing, running

nose, fever and redness of the eyes. In other severe cases, the virus can lead to complications

such as ear infections, pneumonia, diarrhea 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.

In other cases complications resulting from the virus could lead 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 is however measures used to ensure that the infected individuals get

through the 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
 Surname 4

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 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 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 mothers to receive the

schedule for vaccination so as to avoid immunization issues in the future (Center for Disease

Control)

In conclusion, measles is an infectious, airborne respiratory virus that is transmitted

through direct contact, coughing, sneezing and breathing. Its prevalence is in children below the

age of five years. Although there is no 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 hydrated with fluids to boost their immunity.

 Surname 5

Work Cited

CDC. "Measles | For Healthcare Professionals | CDC." Cdc.gov. N.p., 2018. Web. 7 May 2018.

Center for 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.