Measles Flashcards
What is another names for measles?
Rubeola
Is measles an acute& highly contagious disease?
Yes, measles is an acute disease and is very contagious
T/F Measles is still a leading cause death for children worldwide
True
Measles belongs to what family?
Paramyxoviridae family
Name some characteristics of measles
• ss RNA virus
• enveloped
• part of the paramyxoviridae family
What is the reservoir for measles?
Infected humans
What is the modes of transmission for measles?
Airborne: droplet or direct contact w/ nasal & throat secretions from infected person (i.e. coughing/ sneezing)
What is the incubation period for measles?
10-14 days
Where and how does measles infect us?
1.) Virus is inhaled
2.) infects the respiratory epithelial cells
3.) 3 days later enters bloodstream (systemic) & infects distant body sites 4.) 3 days later increase in viremia = rash
Where does the virus initially replicate?
In the respiratory epithelia cells
When is the measles virus the most contagious ?
It is extremely contagious 2-3 days prior (before) to the rash
What is the infectious dose for measles?
1 virus, very low
When can this viruses be transmitted?
4 days before & after rash, it can be transmitted before the person knows their sick
What are some symptoms of measles?
• fever
• cough
• conjunctivitis
• Koplik’s spots ( on the upper lip mucosa)
• rash
• leukopenia (low WBC count)
At what age is measles more severe?
Infants & adults
Who is at a higher risk for measles?
• pregnant women
• people over 20 years
• infants under 5 years old
What are some complications for measles?
• Otitis media (ear infection)
• pneumonia
• diarrhea
• blindness
• encephalitis (brain swelling)
1 out of how many children w/ measles experience neurological complications and what can this lead to?
1 out of 1000 children experience neurological complications this may lead to death, permanent deafness, permanent mental retardation, & permanent seizure disorders
Is measles a reportable disease?
Yes it is
How can you become infected w/o having direct contact from someone that has measles?
The virus can live in air or on nearby surfaces for ~ 2 hours
Is there any treatment for measles?
No
What is subacute sclerosis pan-encephalitis (SSPE) ?
Inflammation of the brain, a neurodegenerative disease that happens 7-10 years later after the person has had measles & seemed to recover (deadly w/ no cure)
How can we prevent measles?
Live attenuated vaccination (weakens virus) it is recommended 2 dose and provides excellent immunity
