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Measles/Rubella & the immune system
  • Technical Answer

The measles virus is transmitted via respiratory secretions, and causes a very serious febrile illness. It first infects the respiratory mucosa, spreads through the lymphatics and bloodstream, and can then infect the conjunctiva, respiratory tract, urinary tract, GI tract, endothelial cells, and the central nervous system. The maculopapular rash, which starts at the hairline and spreads over the whole body, is caused by immune T-cells targeted to the infected endothelial cells of the small blood vessels. T-cell deficient individuals do not have the rash, but do have uncontrolled disease which usually results in death. The damage, as well as the control of the disease, is most probably caused by the immune system. Pneumonia and encephalitis are serious consequences. Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a very serious sequelae caused by a defective measles virus. It can cause neurological symptoms months or even years after the original infection. A live, attenuated vaccine has been available since 1967. It is given in combination with mumps and rubella vaccines (MMR) after 15 months of age. Individuals who received the killed vaccine prior to the introduction of the live attenuated vaccine do not have lasting immunity and should be revaccinated with the live virus. It is now also recommended that all individuals be re-vaccinated after eighteen years of age. Exposed, non-immune, individuals should be given immune serum globulin.

  • Measles Basics

Measles is primarily a respiratory infection caused by a highly contagious virus found all over the world. The symptoms include fever, runny nose, cough, sore and reddened eyes, followed by the characteristic red-brown rash. The rash usually starts on the face and spreads down the body, lasting three or more days.

The incubation period - that's the time between exposure to someone with the disease and the onset of the symptoms - is about 10 days. The red rash shows up three days to a week after the first symptoms. People are contagious from just before symptoms appear until 4 to 5 days after the rash appears.

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Related Questions

Do measles affect cells?

it kills them


What is the difference between measles and mumps?

Measles and mumps are caused by two different viruses and usually affect different organs. Measles usually show with a skin rash while mumps affect the salivary glands near the ear. It can also affect the testicles.


What countries does measles affect?

Everyone who has not been immunized.


What body part does the measles affect?

measles-measles mainly affects the skin on your body where a blotchy red rash appears, it also affects your immune system and you get a cough, runny nose and a fever.


How do measles affect humans?

It can affect people of all ages, despite being considered primarily a childhood illness.


How does measles affect a persons everyday life?

killed off a bunch of people


Can you get blisters with German measles?

you can in measles you can in measles


What is the singular of measles?

I thought measles was already the singular word. For example, "He has measles." Measles is already plural as well. For example, "They all have measles."


Is measles an deficiency disease?

Measles is not a deficiency disease. Measles is caused by measles virus. This is an infectious disease.


What is the plural form of measles?

Measles is the plural form of the disease measles.


How do you use the word measles in a sentence?

We had to cancel the party because she had measles. Measles is not something fun to have. He was sick with measles.


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