Explanation
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. After the initial symptoms such as fever, cough, and runny nose appear, a red rash usually develops on the body after about 4 days.
About Measles
• Measles is caused by the Measles virus (Morbillivirus).
• It spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
• It mainly affects children but can occur at any age.
Stages / Symptoms of Measles
1. Early symptoms → High fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes
2. Koplik spots → Small white spots inside the mouth
3. Rash stage → Red rash appears on face and spreads across body (around 4 days after symptoms begin)
Prevention
• Measles can be prevented through vaccination.
• The vaccine used is the MMR vaccine (Measles, Mumps, Rubella).
Important Related Concepts for Exams
Virus → Microorganism that can reproduce only inside living cells
Immunity → Body’s ability to resist infections
Vaccination → Process of stimulating immune system to prevent diseases
Other Important Viral Diseases
• Chickenpox → Caused by Varicella virus
• Polio → Caused by Poliovirus
• Rabies → Caused by Rabies virus
• Dengue → Caused by Dengue virus transmitted by Aedes mosquito