Measles

Organisms, particularly humans, can prevent measles primarily through vaccination. The measles vaccine stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies against the virus, providing immunity without causing the disease. Additionally, maintaining good hygiene practices and avoiding close contact with infected individuals can also help reduce the risk of transmission. Regular vaccination campaigns are crucial in achieving herd immunity, protecting those who cannot be vaccinated.

Measles is considerably less common in developed countries due to high vaccination rates and public health measures. However, outbreaks can still occur, particularly in communities with lower vaccination coverage. Factors such as vaccine hesitancy and international travel can contribute to sporadic cases. Overall, while measles is not prevalent, it remains a risk where vaccination rates decline.

Chickenpox is more likely to be found in temperate countries than in tropical countries, and is more likely in countries in which chickenpox vaccination is not routine for children.

Virus known as the Measles Virus, both the disease and virus share the same name.

Almroth Edward Wright developed the vaccine for pneumonia in 1911.

You should only give a baby or child what a doctor prescribes. Measles do not respond to an antibiotic, but he might order some medicated cream or ointment to prevent scratching.

Yes, it is very contagious; people with measles can be contagious from four days before the rash appears, to four days after the the rash appears.

A serious complication of measles occurring in about one out of every 1,000 cases, causing headache, drowsiness, and vomiting seven to ten days after the rash appears.

Vaccinations were discovered in the late 1700's when Dr. Edward Jenner realized that milk-maids exposed to cow-pox (similar to smallpox with no ill effects on humans) did not contract smallpox like everyone else. All vaccine's work on the same principle. They use a different strain of a virus that is similar to the one the patient needs to be innoculated to, but a much weaker or slightly different strain that our immune systems can easily defeat. Whenever the immune system encounters and defeats an outside invader, the body stores that information (in a crude sense) and remembers how to fight that virus.

The vaccine and previous exposure stimulate antibody-producing memory B cells. These stick themselves to specific receptors to block the foreign invaders from attacking the body.