Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary causative agent of measles?
What is the primary causative agent of measles?
- Rhinovirus
- Herpesvirus
- Orthomyxovirus
- Paramyxovirus (correct)
What period during the year is measles most likely to occur?
What period during the year is measles most likely to occur?
- Early autumn
- Late winter and spring (correct)
- Summer and fall
- All year round
Which symptom is considered pathognomonic for measles?
Which symptom is considered pathognomonic for measles?
- Koplik spots (correct)
- Skin rash
- Cough
- Fever
What is the period of communicability for measles?
What is the period of communicability for measles?
What is the average incubation period from exposure to rash onset for measles?
What is the average incubation period from exposure to rash onset for measles?
Flashcards
What is Measles?
What is Measles?
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads through respiratory droplets. It is a serious illness that can lead to complications like pneumonia, encephalitis, and death.
What type of virus causes measles?
What type of virus causes measles?
The measles virus is a single-stranded RNA virus that is part of the paramyxovirus family. There is only one type of measles virus, making it distinct and easily identified.
How is measles transmitted?
How is measles transmitted?
Measles primarily spreads through large respiratory droplets expelled when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can also spread through the air when these droplets become aerosolized.
When is measles most contagious?
When is measles most contagious?
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What is the incubation period of measles?
What is the incubation period of measles?
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Study Notes
Measles Overview
- Measles is an acute, viral, infectious disease, vaccine preventable
- Measles was nearly universal in childhood, with over 90% of individuals contracting it before age 15
- Indigenous transmission of measles has been eliminated in many regions
Causative Agent
- Measles is caused by a paramyxovirus, a single-stranded RNA virus
- The virus is inactivated by heat, sunlight, acidic pH, and chemicals like ether, and trypsin
Reservoir
- The reservoir for measles is only human cases
- No animal reservoirs or carriers exist, and subclinical infections do not transmit the virus
Transmission
- Transmission occurs via large respiratory droplets and airborne transmission of aerosolized droplets in confined spaces
Temporal Pattern
- Measles primarily affects people in late winter and spring
Communicability Period
- Measles is contagious from 4 days before rash onset to 4 days after rash onset
Incubation Period
- The incubation period, from exposure to fever, averages 11-12 days
- From exposure to rash onset, the average is 14 days, ranging from 7 to 21 days
Pathogenesis, Clinical Features, and Complications
- Prodromal Stage: lasts 2 to 4 days, characterized by fever, cough, and conjunctivitis
- Koplik Spots: punctate blue-white spots on the bright red buccal mucosa; considered a diagnostic sign (pathognomonic)
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