Measles Virus Overview

Vocabulary flashcards related to the measles virus, including symptoms, complications, virus family, and prevention.

Measles Symptoms

Typically include high fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, and rash.

Measles Complications

May include pneumonia, encephalitis, and a risk of death; 1 out of 5 people with measles may be hospitalized.

Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE)

A rare, fatal chronic infection that can develop 7 to 10 years after recovery from measles.

Paramyxoviridae

Family of viruses that includes the genus Morbillivirus, to which the measles virus belongs.

R0 (Basic Reproduction Number)

A figure that expresses the average number of secondary infections produced by one infected individual in a completely susceptible population.

Herd Immunity Threshold

The percentage of a population that must be immune (through vaccination or infection) to prevent disease spread, crucial for eradicating measles.

Immunosuppression

A condition where the immune response is diminished, which can result from measles infection, leading to 'immune amnesia'.

MMR Vaccine

The measles-mumps-rubella vaccine that provides safe and lasting protection against measles.

Transmission of Measles

Primarily occurs through respiratory droplets.

History of Measles Infection

Described in the 10th century and believed to have originated when human population densities allowed the spread of the virus.