Measles

About Measles:           

• It is a highly contagious, serious airborne disease caused by a virus.
• Cause: It is caused by a virus in the paramyxovirus family.
• Transmission of Measles:
  • It spreads by contact with infected nasal or throat secretions (coughing or sneezing) or breathing the air that was breathed by someone with measles. 
  • The virus remains active and contagious in the air or on infected surfaces for up to two hours. 
  • The virus infects the respiratory tract, then spreads throughout the body, causing severe disease, complications, and even death.
• Treatment:
  • No specific antiviral treatment exists for measles.
  • It can be prevented with a safe and effective measles-rubella (MR) vaccine that gives long-term immunity.