Why is measles so contagious?

Why the measles virus is particularly easily transferable

It has been repeatedly reported in recent months over regional measles outbreaks, with low vaccination rates as a cause named. But why the measles virus are actually so easily transferable, when no Vaccination is present? The expert, Dr. Nipunie Rajapakse from the renowned Mayo Clinic (USA), what are the factors for the measles so slightly dangerous.

Measles are one of the most contagious infectious diseases worldwide, said Dr. Nipunie Rajapakse in a press release from the Mayo Clinic. Going to spread the Virus via the air. When coughing and Sneezing, the pathogens with tiny droplets in the air in the room and can be of others inhaled. The seemingly harmless infection can lead, in the worst case, death of the Affected. So die, according to the expert, one to two infected children to the consequences of the disease.

Measles virus can survive in tiny droplets for about two hours in It, which leads to a particularly high risk of infection. It can be an infection through the air in the room, without actually being a sick Person encountered. (Image: Kateryna_Kon/fotolia.com)

Transmission over the air in the room

Although the Virus must be inhaled to cause an infection, but the “tiny droplets of germs can remain for up to two hours in the air after a Person with measles has left a room,” explains Dr. Rajapakse. So, you can become infected with measles, to face without a sick Person face-to-face. It is not possible to control who has ever breathed the same air in a room. Therefore, vaccinations are so important.

Vaccination provides effective protection

Against measles is called the MMR-vaccine (measles, Mumps, and rubella), wherein the first vaccination according to the recommendation of the Standing Committee on vaccination (STIKO) at the age between eleven and 14 months should be done. In exceptional cases (during an outbreak, any contact with a Sufferer), it could be the MMR vaccination from the age of nine months. For non-vaccinated persons, however, there are also catch-up possibilities, said Dr. Rajapakse. “If you are an adult and have never been vaccinated, catch-up plans to get all the recommended vaccines for their age group,” stresses the expert. In the case of unclear vaccination status, recommends Dr. Rajapakse, to consult the house doctor and the house doctor.

What symptoms are characteristic of measles?

Infection with measles virus shows up after a good week (or slightly longer) incubation period, with symptoms such as

  • Fever,
  • Rash red, flat spots that often begin on the head and downwards spread,
  • dry cough,
  • runny nose,
  • Neck pain,
  • tiny white spots with bluish-white centers on a red Background, the page are located in the mouth, the cheeks, inside of (so-called “Koplik’s spots”)
  • and bindhaut inflammation.

Possible Complications

As complications of measles infection can also inflammation, according to Dr. Nipunie Rajapakse ears, pneumonia and encephalitis (brain inflammation) occur. In the latter, threaten to permanent brain damage, and there is danger to life for those Affected. For every 1,000 children who get in the USA, measles are one to two deaths reported, according to the expert, citing the Figures of the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC; The US health authority). (fp)