Frequency (Epidemiology)
Occurrence in the populationWorldwide, more than one million children die of measles every year. Especially in poor countries, where hygiene is poor and there are no vaccinations. The measles virus is highly contagious and breaks out in almost everyone who carries it.
Once the virus is acquired, there is lifelong immunity. So you cannot contract measles a second time. Worldwide, about 30 million people contract measles every year.
Causes
The cause lies in a virus that is made up of RNA. RNA is a copy of DNA on which all genes are encoded. It usually takes eight to ten days before the disease breaks out.
The infection occurs via the so-called droplet infection, e.g. by coughing, sneezing, etc. The viruses are absorbed through the mucous membranes of the mouth and nose. The conjunctiva of the eye can also allow the virus to enter the body.
The contagious stage begins about two to four days before the rash appears. This stage lasts as long as the rash is present. Because of the high risk of infection, almost everyone who is unvaccinated and comes into contact with an infectious person is infected.
However, the outbreak of measles does not necessarily have to occur. The causative agent of measles is the so-called Morbilli virus from the group of paramyxoviruses. A vaccination against the virus exists, which should be administered between the 11th – 14th month and the 15th – 23rd month.
The measles virus is highly contagious and can be transmitted via airborne droplet infection. Infectivity persists from about four days before the outbreak of exanthema until five days after. Due to the seriousness of the disease and the severe complications, vaccination against measles is recommended in any case. There is no correlation between measles vaccination and autism. There is no antiviral therapy against the measles virus.
Incubation period
The incubation period is about eight to ten days. After that, symptoms like fever, fatigue and conjunctivitis occur. The exanthema occurs about three days after the onset of the first symptoms.
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