Measles Flashcards
What virus causes measles?
• Measles is caused by the morbillivirus from the paramyxovirus family.
How is measles transmitted? (2)
• Direct contact with infectious droplets.
• Airborne transmission through breathing, coughing, or sneezing.
What is the incubation period for measles?
• The incubation period is approximately 10 days but can range from 1 to 3 weeks
When is a person with measles infectious?
• 2–4 days before the rash appears and during the course of the illness.
How long does measles usually last?
• Measles typically lasts 7–10 days and is self-limiting.
Can someone catch measles more than once?
• It is uncommon to catch measles more than once because it provides lifelong immunity.
What is the benefit of getting the MMR vaccine ?
. Unlikely to get measles if fully vaccinated.
What are the prodromal symptoms of measles, and when do they appear? (7)
• Prodromal symptoms appear 2–4 days before the rash
Symptoms include :
• Fever (usually above 39°C, reduces after rash appears)
• Aches and fatigue
• Diarrhoea
• Runny/blocked nose, sneezing
• Harsh dry cough
• Red, sore, watery eyes (cold-like symptoms)
What are Koplik spots, and when do they appear during measles?
• Koplik spots are small white spots inside the cheeks that appear a few days after prodromal symptoms and last a few days.
Where does the measles rash first appear?
• The rash starts on the face and behind the ears,
It spreads to the rest of the body over time.
What are the characteristics of the measles rash? (3)
The rash is:
• Red/brown
• Sometimes raised and may join together to form blotchy patches
• Not usually itchy
How long does the measles rash last?
• The rash fades 5 days after its onset
What are some respiratory complications associated with measles? (2)
Respiratory complications:
• Pneumonia • Otitis media (middle ear infection)
What are the CNS (central nervous system) complications associated with measles ? (2)
CNS complications:
• Convulsions
• Meningitis
Other: blindness
In which groups is measles more severe? (5)
• Adults
• Pregnant individuals (risk of birth complications)
• Immunocompromised individuals
• People with co-morbidities (e.g. depression, arthritis, diabetes, and high blood pressure)
• Infants
