Measles Lecture Notes

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to measles and its medical implications as discussed in the lecture.

Measles

A disease caused by an enveloped RNA-containing virus, related genetically to canine distemper virus.

Rubeola

The clinical disease caused by the measles virus, distinct from rubella (German measles).

Paramyxovirus

The family of viruses to which the measles virus belongs.

Koplik’s Spots

Tiny bluish-white spots on a red base that appear in the mouth within 2 to 4 days after measles infection.

Viremia

The presence of virus in the blood, occurring as the measles virus spreads from the local lymph nodes.

Rash

A characteristic feature of measles, appearing first on the forehead and spreading within 24 to 48 hours.

Mortality

The rate of death caused by measles virus infection, ranging from 0.1% in industrial countries to 15% in developing countries.

Acute Encephalitis

A life-threatening neurologic complication that can result from measles virus invasion of the brain.

Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE)

A progressive neurologic disease that occurs as a late complication of measles virus infection.

Immunosuppression

The functional impairment of the immune system's memory B cells following measles virus infection, leading to increased susceptibility to other infections.

Measles Vaccine (MMR)

A vaccine that has significantly decreased the incidence of measles and reduced complications such as encephalitis and SSPE.

Cerebellar Ataxia

A motor disturbance associated with progressive neurologic decline in patients with SSPE.

Behavioral Problems

Initial symptoms observed in the second stage of neurologic disease due to measles, often accompanied by a decline in school performance.

Secondary Infections

Infections caused by other agents that occur due to the immune system's impairment after measles infection.

Life-long Immunity

The immunity acquired after a person has had clinical measles, protecting them from future infections.

Vaccination Program

An aggressive public health campaign aimed at eradicating measles through vaccination.