The measles virus has been the subject of significant national attention lately, with 644 cases of measles reported to the Centers for Disease Control in 2014. These cases represent the highest number since the virtual elimination of measles in the United States following the development of the vaccine. This is a significant increase when compared to 2012 and 2013, with a total of 55 and 187 reported cases, respectively. Measles is common and often fatal in developing countries, but has been rare in the United States since the widespread vaccination program in the early 1970’s.
Measles is an acute highly contagious viral illness that is transmitted between humans primarily through respiration of the measles virus (Morbillivirus). Following exposure, the virus replicates in the upper respiratory system, entering the bloodstream after 2-3 days. The virus is spread to tissues within 5-7 days and after a 10-12 day period, clinical symptoms appear. Early symptoms include cough, fever increasing to 103°F or higher, eye inflammation and white lesions within the mouth. Two to 4 days later, a rash begins on the face and head, spreads to the entire body and persists 5-6 days before fading in order of appearance. Other complications often include inner ear inflammation, pneumonia, croup and diarrhea. Very rare complications can include acute encephalitis (brain swelling), respiratory distress and neurologic complications, which can result in death. Rarer still is a fatal degenerative disease of the central nervous system that generally develops 7 to 10 years after the measles infection.