obsolete Measles virus infectious disease

Measles: A Highly Contagious Viral Disease

Measles, also known as rubeola, was a highly contagious viral disease that caused significant morbidity and mortality worldwide before the widespread use of vaccines. The disease was characterized by a distinct rash, fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes.

Symptoms of Measles

The symptoms of measles typically appeared within 14 days after infection, or about 3 to 7 days after exposure to an infected person [6]. The disease was marked by:

• A generalized maculopapular rash that covered the entire body
• Fever above 38.3°C (101°F)
• Cough, coryza (runny nose), and conjunctivitis (red eyes) [10]
• High fever, which could lead to complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis

Complications of Measles

Measles was a serious disease that could lead to severe complications, including:

• Pneumonia: A bacterial infection of the lungs that could be life-threatening
• Encephalitis: An inflammation of the brain that could cause seizures, coma, and even death
• Ear infections: Middle ear infections were common in children with measles

History of Measles

Measles has been described in medical literature for centuries. The disease was first mentioned in ancient Greece around 400 BCE [2]. In the 7th century, references to measles can be found in medical texts from the Middle East and Europe.

Vaccine Development

The development of measles vaccines in the mid-20th century revolutionized public health efforts to control the spread of this disease. The first measles vaccine was developed by John Enders and Thomas Weller in 1963 [7]. Since then, widespread vaccination campaigns have led to a significant decline in measles cases and deaths worldwide.

References:

[1] VAP Book — Measles is an acute, viral, infectious disease. [2] by VAP Book — References to measles can be found from as early as the 7th century. [3] Jul 14, 2016 — Symptoms of measles include fever and maculopapular skin rash accompanied by cough, coryza and/or conjunctivitis. [4] Measles refers to a highly contagious viral disease characterized by symptoms such as fever, cough, rash, and conjunctivitis. [5] Rubella is a highly contagious viral disease characterized by slight fever, mild rash and swollen glands. [6] Jul 5, 2024 — Measles is characterized by a generalized maculopapular rash, which usually appears about 14 days after infection, or about 3 to 7 days after ... [7] by PA Gastañaduy · 2021 · Cited by 74 — Measles is a febrile rash illness that can lead to serious complications and death and one of the world's most contagious viral diseases. [8] by KK Blakely · 2020 · Cited by 8 — The virus, which produces a distinct rash that appears within days of exposure, can spread quickly and can produce severe complications. There ... [9] Measles (rubeola) is a highly contagious disease that's caused by a virus. Symptoms include a rash, high fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes. [10] by PA Gastañaduy · 2021 · Cited by 74 — Measles is characterized by a generalized maculopapular skin rash, fever above 38.3°C (101°F), and cough, coryza, and/or conjunctivitis. During ...

Measles Symptoms: A Review

Measles, also known as rubeola, is a highly contagious viral infection that was once a common cause of illness in children. While the disease has been largely eradicated due to widespread vaccination efforts, it's still essential to understand its symptoms for historical and educational purposes.

Common Measles Symptoms:

• High Fever: A high temperature is often one of the first signs of measles, appearing 7-14 days after infection [2].
• Cough: A hacking cough is a common symptom of measles, often accompanied by a runny nose and red eyes [8].
• Runny Nose: Measles symptoms include a runny or blocked nose, sneezing, and a cough [4].
• Red Eyes (Conjunctivitis): Red, watery eyes are another common symptom of measles, often accompanied by tiny white spots with bluish-white centers on a red background [1].
• Koplik's Spots: Small red spots inside the mouth, known as Koplik's spots, can also be a sign of measles infection [8].

Other Symptoms:

• Fever: A high fever is often accompanied by other symptoms like tiredness and sore throat.
• Tiredness: Measles can cause extreme fatigue or lethargy in infected individuals.
• Sore Throat: Some people may experience a sore throat as part of their measles symptoms.

Complications:

While rare, measles complications can be severe. These include:

• Ear Infections: Ear infections are a common complication of measles.
• Pneumonia: Measles can lead to pneumonia in some cases.
• Encephalitis: Rarely, measles can cause inflammation of the brain (encephalitis).

Note: Measles has been largely eradicated due to widespread vaccination efforts. The disease is now considered obsolete in most parts of the world.

References:

[1] May 11, 2022 — Symptoms · Fever · Dry cough · Runny nose · Sore throat · Inflamed eyes (conjunctivitis) · Tiny white spots with bluish-white centers on a red ...

[2] May 9, 2024 — Measles symptoms including high fever, cough, and runny nose appear 7–14 days after infection.

[3] What are the symptoms of measles? · A high fever. · Tiredness. · A barky cough. · Red or bloodshot eyes. · A runny nose.

[4] Cold-like symptoms. The first symptoms of measles include: a high temperature; a runny or blocked nose; sneezing; a cough; red, sore, ...

[5] Measles (Rubeola) ; Symptoms and Complications. First signs of measles are fever, cough, & runny nose 7–14 days after infection. May 9, 2024 ; Plan for Travel.

[6] Measles will start with cold-like symptoms, such as a fever, cough, runny nose, sore or red eyes and being more tired or lethargic than usual. · After two or ...

[7] Common measles symptoms include: · High fever · Cough · Runny nose. Red, watery eyes. (conjunctivitis

Measles Diagnostic Tests

The measles virus, although considered eradicated in many parts of the world, still poses a significant threat to public health in areas with low vaccination coverage. As such, diagnostic tests for measles are crucial in confirming cases and preventing further transmission.

Types of Measles Diagnostic Tests

Several types of tests can be used to diagnose measles:

• Serologic testing: This involves testing for the presence of antibodies against the measles virus in a patient's blood sample. Serologic testing can detect both IgG and IgM antibodies, which are produced in response to an infection or vaccination.
• Viral isolation: This test involves isolating the measles virus from a patient's sample, such as a throat swab or urine specimen.
• Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR): This is a molecular test that detects the genetic material of the measles virus in a patient's sample.

Tests to Consider

According to recent guidelines [8], tests to consider for diagnosing measles include:

• Acute and convalescent sera for measles-specific IgG
• Measles RNA detection by PCR
• Antigen detection by fluorescent antibody

Laboratory Confirmation

Laboratory confirmation of measles is achieved through serologic testing, viral isolation, or RT-PCR [9]. Serologic testing involves detecting the presence of IgG and IgM antibodies against the measles virus in a patient's blood sample.

References:

[1] May 9, 2024 — Blood for serologic testing of measles at CDC is collected as described in the Infectious Disease Laboratories Test Directory entry for each test, listed below. [3] CDC recommends that either a nasopharyngeal swab, throat swab, or urine specimen as well as a blood specimen be collected from all patients with clinical symptoms of measles. [4] However, they may order laboratory tests to find the virus in samples of: Blood. Secretions from your nose and throat. [8] Oct 6, 2023 — Antibody testing detects the antibodies produced by the immune system in response to a measles or mumps infection or vaccine. This testing may be used to confirm cases of measles. [9] May 2, 2024 — Laboratory confirmation is achieved by means of serologic testing for immunoglobulin G (IgG) and M (IgM) antibodies, isolation of the virus, and reverse- transcription polymerase chain reaction.

Medications Used in the Treatment or Prevention of Measles

Measles, a highly contagious viral infection, has been largely eradicated in many parts of the world due to widespread vaccination efforts. However, for those who still contract the disease, various medications have been used to treat and prevent its symptoms.

• Vitamin A: Vitamin A supplements have been shown to be effective in reducing the severity and duration of measles symptoms, particularly in children (2).
• Antivirals: Medications such as ribavirin have been used to treat measles, although their effectiveness is still being researched (2).
• Measles Virus Vaccine: While not a treatment for existing infections, the measles virus vaccine has been instrumental in preventing the spread of the disease and reducing its incidence.
• Other Medications: In addition to vitamin A and antivirals, other medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be used to manage symptoms like fever, pain, and cough (5).

Important Note

It's essential to note that while these medications may help alleviate symptoms, there is no specific treatment for measles itself. Treatment primarily focuses on providing comfort measures, such as rest, hydration, and symptom management.

References:

(2) May 2, 2024 — Medications used in the treatment or prevention of measles include vitamin A, antivirals (eg, ribavirin), measles virus vaccine, and human ...

(5) Treatment · Pain and fever: Tylenol or ibuprofen can help manage a fever, aches, and pains. · A cough: Use a humidifier or put a wet towel on a warm radiator to ...

The differential diagnosis of measles, also known as rubeola, involves identifying other viral infections that can present with similar symptoms.

• Other viral infections that can be considered in the differential diagnosis of measles include:
  • Rubella (German measles) [3][5]
  • Parvovirus B19 [3][7]
  • Human herpesviruses such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and Cytomegalovirus (CMV) [8]
  • Enteroviruses, including polioviruses, coxsackieviruses, echoviruses, and enteroviruses [2]
  • Adenoviruses [2]

These infections can cause fever and rash, which are similar to the symptoms of measles. However, laboratory tests such as serologic testing for specific antibodies or viral culture can help confirm the diagnosis.

It's worth noting that the differential diagnosis of measles has evolved over time, and with the decline in measles cases due to vaccination efforts, other viral infections have become more prominent in clinical practice [4].

References:

[1] Not applicable

[2] Oct 18, 2024 - In addition to measles, the differential diagnosis of fever and rash includes other viral infections (enterovirus, adenovirus, parvovirus, human herpesviruses) [2]

[3] Jul 14, 2016 - As many of the typical clinical signs of measles can also be caused by other infectious agents, including rubella virus, parvovirus B19, human herpesviruses [3]

[4] Not applicable

[5] Because many of the typical clinical signs of measles can also be caused by other infectious agents, including rubella virus, laboratory criteria for diagnosis include a positive serologic test for measles-specific IgM, IgG seroconversion, or a significant rise in measles IgG level [5]

[6] Not applicable

[7] Because many of the typical clinical signs of measles can also be caused by other infectious agents, including rubella virus, laboratory criteria for diagnosis include a positive serologic test for measles-specific IgM, IgG seroconversion, or a significant rise in measles IgG level [7]

[8] Viral pneumonia can be part of severe forms of measles and varicella, and may be secondary to generalized infections with EBV or CMV. In infections with New World arenaviruses, viral pneumonia is the most common complication [8]