History
The Measles Virus is an ancient disease that we know has existed since the 9th century due to written accounts from that era (Weisberg, 2007, p. 471). Scientists have discovered that the Measles Virus closely resembles the Rinderpest Virus previously found in cattle, which leads to the theory that the disease could have existed from 5,000 to 10,000 years ago, with various disease mutations along the way (Moss, 2011, p. 153). Among the early writings, some physicians claimed that the Measles Virus was "more feared than smallpox" because the death tolls around the world from epidemic outbreaks of the virus were devastating, and up until the early 1960s, the Measles Virus was still killing 2 million children per year (Weisberg, 2007, p. 471). In 1963, the Measles Vaccine was introduced and from that point, humans were able to take control of this highly contagious disease.
Pathology
Did you know....
Humans are the only host for the Measles Virus.
Measles infection develops over four phases; beginning with attachment in the respiratory tract, then fusion into the local lymph nodes, following with the RNA replication into the blood, and finally the blood circulates and transports the virus throughout the internal organs of the body and to the skin (Bentley, 2014, p. 53).
Humans with Measles are infectious for several days before and after the onset of the rash associated with the infection. However, research has discovered that the viral RNA is known to remain in the blood stream for up to 14 weeks. During this period, immunosuppression takes place, which leaves the individual susceptible to other types of infection. However, because Measles infection activates the immune response in humans, once the virus has left the body, that immune response provides for lifelong immunity (Bentley, 2014, p. 53).
82% of people surveyed know that Measles Pathology poses a serious health risk to society.
Transmission
The Measles Virus is one of the most highly contagious diseases and a large contributor to child morbidity and mortality around the world (Griffin, 2012, p. 649). The Measles Virus is transmitted through contact with nasal and throat secretions that have become airborne due to the carriers' action of sneezing and coughing (Bentley, 2014, p. 52).
One does not need to be exposed to a carrier because the virus can remain contagious for up to two hours on any surface (Bentley, 2014, p. 52).
55% of people surveyed believe children who are NOT vaccinated should NOT be allowed to attend public school.
78% said they did have, or would have, their children vaccinated against the Measles Virus.
The Scientific Facts about the Measles Virus
Identification
Because of the undetectable early symptoms of the Measles Virus, most people do not know they are infected and they continue their normal social activities; which greatly increases the risk of spreading the virus (Bentley, 2014, p. 53).
The two most prominent clinical phases of Measles infection identification are: 1) The Prodromal phase starts with increasing fever, cough, mucous membrane and eye inflammation, extreme sensitivity to light, anorexia, and general malaise. In this phase is when the Koplick's spots appear in 60 - 70 % of the population; however, they are found in the mouth only, which means they often pass unnoticed. 2) The Exanthema phase reveals the telltale rash that appears first on the face, hairline, neck, and ears; then in two to three days, the rash spreads to the rest of the body (Bentley, 2014, p. 52).
Complications
The most prevalent complications that occur because of Measles Virus infection are otitis media (inflammation of the middle ear canal), pneumonia, diarrhea, and febrile convulsions (convulsions brought on by the fever) (Bentley, 2014, p. 54).
Rare complications that can transpire are: encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), with a sub-acute condition called sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE); which is a cumulative neurological disorder. The results of this complication have shown to vary, with the extreme cases leading to loss of motor control, coordination, and seizures (Bentley, 2014, p. 54).
One of the greatest difficulties with these complications is that they usually do not occur, on an average, until eight years after a Measles infection (Bentley, 2014, p. 54).
85% of people surveyed know that children with compromised immune systems are at a higher risk of serious Measles infection.
HOWEVER:
24% did NOT know that Measles is one of the leading causes of death among young children.
Disease Management
Immunization with the Measles Vaccine is the most effective way to prevent and socially manage this highly contagious disease (Moss, 2011, p. 59).
73% of people surveyed believe everyone should be immunized against the Measles Virus.
Vitamin A has proven to be an effective treatment for Measles Virus infection and the World Health Organization (WHO), advocates that children with Measles should receive daily doses of Vitamin A, for two consecutive days per the following instructions:
12 months and older: 200,000 IUs
6-12 months old: 100,000 IUs.
Younger than 6 months old: 50,000 IUs (Moss, 2011, p. 59).
42% of people surveyed DID NOT know that Vitamin A has proven to be an effective treatment for the Measles Virus.
There is no specific antiviral therapy for Measles infection (Moss, 2011, p. 59).
References
Bentley, J., Rouse, J. & Pinfield, J. (2014). Measles: pathology, management, and public health issues. Nursing Standard, 28(38), 51-58.
Griffin, D. E., Lin, W. H. & Pan, C. H. (2012). Measles virus, immune control, and persistence. FEMS Microbiology Reviews, 36, 649-662. doi: 10.1111/j.1574-
6976.2012.00330.x
Lin, W. H. W., Kouyos, R. D., Adams, R. J., Grenfell, B. T. & Griffen, D. E. (2012). Prolonged persistence of measles virus RNA is characteristic of primary
infection dynamics. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 109(37), 14989-14994. doi:10.1073/pnas.1211138109
Moss, W. J. & Griffen, D. E. (2012). Measles. The Lancet, 379(9811), 153-164. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(10)62352-5
Weisberg, S. S. (2007). Measles. Disease-a-Month, 53, 471-477. doi: 10.1016/j.disamonth.2007.09.009
