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🔬 The Virus Behind Measles
The measles virus (MeV) is an RNA virus from the Paramyxoviridae family. It infects respiratory epithelial cells, spreads via the bloodstream, and causes transient immunosuppression. #Virology #MedicalEducation
🔬 The Virus Behind Measles
The measles virus (MeV) is an RNA virus from the Paramyxoviridae family. It infects respiratory epithelial cells, spreads via the bloodstream, and causes transient immunosuppression. #Virology #MedicalEducation
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🦠 Infectiousness: One of the Most Contagious Viruses
Measles has an R₀ of 12-18—more contagious than influenza or COVID-19 (original strain). Airborne particles linger suspended for up to 2 hours. 90% of susceptible individuals will become infected.
#InfectiousDiseases #PublicHealth
⚠️ How Measles Spreads
Direct contact with secretions (coughing/sneezing)
Airborne transmission in shared spaces
Contaminated surfaces (less common)
Stay vigilant when taking patient histories! #MeaslesAwareness
Clinical Presentation
Prodrome: Fever, cough, coryza, conjunctivitis (3 Cs)
Koplik spots: White lesions on buccal mucosa
Rash: Maculopapular, spreading face-down, lasting 4-7 days
Other: Diarrhoea, otitis media #MedicalStudents #ClinicalSigns
🚨 Complications Can Be Severe
Up to 30% develop complications:
Pneumonia (most common cause of death)
Encephalitis (1/1000 cases)
SSPE: Fatal, progressive, neurological disease (years later)
Dehydration from diarrhoea
Don't underestimate measles! #InfectiousDiseases
🧬 Measles Cases in Australia (2019–2024)
Cases peaked in 2019 with 286 cases—3x the 2018 numbers, due to international imports.
COVID-19 travel restrictions reduced cases, but numbers are climbing again. If vaccination drops, measles will return.
#MeaslesAwareness #Epidemiology
💉 Prevention Through Vaccination
The MMR vaccine provides long-term immunity after 2 doses.
12 months: MMR
18 months: MMRV (includes varicella)
Catch-up doses are free for those born after 1966. Vaccinate before travelling! #VaccinesWork #PublicHealth
As @alderhey.nhs.uk #Paediatric consultant at Dec 2024 CPD day for GP & 🚑 had 👍session on measles.
The complications can be truely devastating, e.g. SSPE or immunocompromise for up to 3 yrs😲