Measles is one of the most infectious diseases. Measles is caused by the measles virus a paramyxovirus. The virus is contained in little droplets within the throat, mouth and nose cavities. The virus is highly infectious and starts though droplets’, infecting the upper respiratory tract and it leads to critical infection as a result of virus replication in the oropharynx. Sneezing and coughing produces a lot of droplets in the air making the virus airborne and very contagious. When in the nose and throat the virus inhabits the mucus which provides a stable environment for the virus to survive and reproduce. When the virus is expelled out into the air the mucus is carried around it making it possible to survive in the air for two to three hours.
Anywhere from seven to eighteen days after the virus has entered a person's body is when symptoms start to show up. The first sign of measles is usually a high fever which begins about ten to twelve days after exposure to the virus. Other signs and symptoms includes a runny nose, a cough, red and watery eyes and small white spots inside the checks called Koplik spots. After several days a rash appears usually on the face and neck and almost three days later the rash eventually spreads to the hands and feet. The rash typically last for six days and then fades. |