From the Guidelines
Measles (rubeola) is a severe and potentially life-threatening viral disease with an incubation period of 10-12 days from exposure to prodrome and 14 days from exposure to rash, characterized by complications such as diarrhea, middle ear infection, bronchopneumonia, and encephalitis, with a mortality rate of 1-2 per 1,000 reported cases in the United States. The disease can have severe consequences, including permanent brain damage and mental retardation in survivors of encephalitis, which occurs in approximately one of every 1,000 reported cases 1. Key characteristics of measles include:
- Incubation period: 10-12 days from exposure to prodrome and 14 days from exposure to rash (range: 7-18 days) 1
- Complications: diarrhea, middle ear infection, bronchopneumonia, and encephalitis 1
- Mortality rate: 1-2 per 1,000 reported cases in the United States, with higher risk in infants, young children, and adults 1
- Causes of death: pneumonia and acute encephalitis 1
- Severity: more severe in developing countries, with a case-fatality rate as high as 25% 1
The risk for death from measles or its complications is greater for certain populations, including infants, young children, and adults, making prompt medical attention essential for suspected cases, especially in high-risk populations. Understanding the severity and potential consequences of measles is crucial for providing appropriate care and preventing transmission.
From the Research
Definition and Overview of Measles
- Measles, also known as rubeola, is a highly communicable viral infection with serious complications 2.
- It is one of the world's most contagious diseases that can affect all people if they have not been vaccinated or have not had it before 3.
- Measles infection leads to immune suppression for weeks to months, and complications of measles are of high frequency and severity 2.
Transmission and Diagnosis
- Transmission of measles is dependent on person-to-person spread through respiratory droplets or direct contact 2.
- Diagnosis is based on recognizing the clinical picture and can be confirmed with results of laboratory testing, such as serologic tests or polymerase chain reaction 2.
Prevention and Vaccination
- Vaccination against measles is effective, cost-effective, and safe 2.
- There is no link between the measles vaccination and autism 2.
- Measles can be eliminated from a population; this outcome requires coverage with 2 doses of vaccine at rates of 93% to 95% of the population 2.
- The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends 2 doses of MMR vaccine routinely for children and adults at high risk for exposure and transmission 4.
Importance of Vaccination for High-Risk Groups
- Vaccination for measles, mumps, and rubella is particularly important for susceptible adults likely to come in contact with infected children, such as daycare center workers, teachers, and medical personnel 5.
- Health care workers who lack immunity to measles should receive MMR vaccination to prevent nosocomial transmission of measles 6.