Common viral diseases

Question 1

Measles

Answer 1

• Measles is an acute viral illness caused by a Morbillivirus of the Paramyxoviridae family;
• Deaths from measles are largely dues to an increased susceptibility to secondary bacterial and viral infections dues to a prolonged state of immunosuppression.

Question 2

Strongly suggestive signs for measles

Answer 2

1. Rash for at least 3 days
2. Fever for at least one day
3. At least one of the following: Coryza, conjunctivitis and a cough