Measles

Measles, also known as rubeola, is a common disease caused by a virus of the genus Morbillivirus.

Related Topics:
Disease - Virus - Morbillivirus

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Reports of measles go back to at least 700, however, the first scientific description of the disease and its distinction from smallpox is attributed to the Muslim physician Ibn Razi (Rhazes) 860-932 who published a book entitled "Smallpox and Measles" (in Arabic: Kitab fi al-jadari wa-al-hasbah). In 1954, the virus causing the disease was isolated, and licensed vaccines to prevent the disease became available in 1963.

Related Topics:
700 - Smallpox - Ibn Razi - 1954 - Vaccine - 1963

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Measles is spread through respiration (contact with fluids from an infected person's nose and mouth, either directly or through aerosol transmission), and is highly contagious - 90% of people without immunity sharing a house with an infected person will catch it. Airborne precautions should be taken for all suspected cases of measles.

Related Topics:
Fluid - Infected - Aerosol - Immunity

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The incubation period usually lasts for 10-12 days (during which there are no symptoms).

Related Topics:
Incubation period - Symptom

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Infected people remain contagious from the appearance of the first symptoms until 3-5 days after the rash appears.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~