What kind of virus is measles?
The measles virus is a single-stranded RNA virus of the genus Morbillivirus and the family Paramyxoviridae. The virus is related to several viruses that infect animals, including the Canine Distemper Virus.
What are the characteristics of viruses like the one that causes measles?
Measles virus is a highly contagious negative strand RNA virus that is transmitted via the respiratory route and causes systemic disease in previously unexposed humans and non-human primates. Measles is characterised by fever and skin rash and usually associated with cough, coryza and conjunctivitis.
How Does measles virus cause disease?
In the skin, the measles virus causes inflammation in the capillaries. This gives rise to the hallmark measles rash. The virus crosses the blood-brain barrier and enters the brain in around 1 in 1,000 people. This can cause swelling in the brain that may be life-threatening.
What should not eat in measles?
Patients are advised to avoid soft sugary drinks and caffeine rich drinks. For fever, aches and pains, paracetamol or ibuprofen is prescribed. For children under the age of 16 aspirin should not be given.
What is used to culture measles virus?
Oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal swabs are recommended for both purposes, and the availability of a urine sample has proven useful as a back-up sample. However, both measles and rubella viruses are difficult to culture from oral fluid (OF).
Can I take bath in measles?
Although there is no cure for measles, there are steps that can make the disease tolerable. These include the following: Get plenty of rest. Sponge baths with lukewarm water may reduce discomfort due to fever.
What should you not do if you have measles?
If you’re sick with measles:
- Stay home from work or school and other public places until you aren’t contagious.
- Avoid contact with people who may be vulnerable to infection, such as infants too young to be vaccinated and immunocompromised people.
- Cover your nose and mouth if you need to cough or sneeze.