Article Sections

Introduction

Measles (also known as rubeola) is a highly contagious infection caused by the measles virus and is characterized by fever, cough, coryza, conjunctivitis, and a maculopapular rash.  The disease occurs globally and can lead to complications in up to 30% of patients.

Pathophysiology

The measles virus is an enveloped, nonsegmented, negative-sense RNA virus of the Paramyxoviridae family.

Measles is spread by very small infectious respiratory particles (<5 µm), in contrast to the larger respiratory particles (≥5 µm) associated with other infections (eg, group A Streptococcus).  Due to their miniscule particle size, measles can remain suspended in the air for up to 2 hours.  As a result, patients can contract measles by entering a room long after an infected person has already exited (eg, waiting room, day care center).

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