Measles (also known as rubeola) is a highly contagious viral disease caused by the Morbillivirus from the Paramyxoviridae family. It can occur at any age, but in young and very young children it may lead to fatal complications. Before the introduction of the measles vaccine in 1963, approximately 2.6 million deaths were recorded annually due to this disease and its complications.
Risk groups
- unvaccinated individuals
- people with weakened immune systems
- people recovering from other viral infections
- malnourished children
- pregnant women
- unvaccinated children under 5 years of age
- infants under one year
- children with vitamin A deficiency
- people traveling to areas with measles outbreaks
In regions where measles vaccination coverage is below 60%, outbreaks tend to occur every 2–3 years. The disease is considered eradicated in areas where vaccination coverage exceeds 95%.
Transmission
The virus is transmitted through the air via droplets from an infected person (Flügge droplets). It can survive on surfaces for several hours, therefore transmission can also occur by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the nose, mouth, or eyes. The virus localizes in the throat and multiplies, invading the body.
Symptoms
- fever
- dry cough
- watery nasal discharge
- sore throat
- inflamed eyes (conjunctivitis)
- white spots with a bluish-white center on a red background inside the mouth (Koplik spots), specific for measles
- skin rash consisting of large, flat, merging spots
Complications
In most cases the disease does not cause complications, but in individuals with weakened immunity, existing conditions, or a high viral load, the risk increases and some complications can be extremely severe:
- bacterial infections of the inner ear – the most common complication, which may lead to deafness
- bronchitis, laryngitis
- pneumonia – a common complication that can be fatal, especially in young children
- post-infectious encephalitis or subacute sclerosing panencephalitis – a very serious and often fatal disease that can appear even years after measles
- pregnancy complications: miscarriage, premature birth, low birth weight, and even maternal and fetal death
Prevention
The most effective preventive measures are vaccination and booster doses, which can provide immunity above 95%.
Additional preventive measures are typical for viral infections: isolation, avoiding touching the face, nose, and eyes with unwashed hands, and maintaining proper hand hygiene.
Measles is a serious disease that can cause severe complications and leave permanent consequences at any age.
