Lecture 15: Measles

Question 1

Describe the measles virus:
1. What family is it in?
2. What type of genetic material does it have?
3. Is it enveloped?
4. What is its reservoir?
5. How is it transmitted?

Answer 1

1. Paramyxoviridae
2. ssRNA
3. Yes
4. Humans
5. Aerosols and droplet transmission

Question 2

Describe measles pathogenesis:
1. How long is the incubation period?
2. How long is the prodromal stage?
3. What are the signs and symptoms?

Answer 2

1. 11-12 days
2. 1-4 days
3. Fever, conjunctivitis, cough, coryza, Koplik’s spots appears 1-2 days before skin rash, maculopapular lesions (Rash)

Question 3

What are measles outbreaks attributed to ?

Answer 3

Unvaccinated children

Question 3

What are the complications that can occur with measles infections?

Answer 3

• Diarrhea
• Otitis media
• Pneumonia
• Encephalitis
• Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis
• Death

Question 4

How many measles outbreaks were there in the US in 2024?

Answer 4

7 outbreaks