A review of measles virus.
Measles virus is an epidemic disease with a worldwide distribution. Since the development of the live attenuated vaccine, the incidence of reported measles cases has declined by greater than 99% in the United States. Measles causes a systemic illness manifested by a characteristic prodrome and pathognomonic rash. Although usually a self-limited disease, measles can cause severe complications, especially in adults and the immunocompromised. We discuss a vaccination schedule for preschool and school-aged children. Recent research has demonstrated clinical benefit in patients with severe measles virus infections that are treated with ribavirin and vitamin A supplementation.
Department of Dermatology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Fondren Brown 840, Houston, TX 77030, USA. js041307@bcm.tmc.edu
Jennifer R
JR
Stalkup
D006801:Humans; D008457:Measles / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008458:Measles Vaccine; D008459:Measles virus / Q000276:immunology*
D008458:Measles Vaccine