Among the major world epidemics the measles has been greatly underrated. The measles drew attention when overall interest in children increased in the 1960’s. Measles is so contagious that it is passed by casual contact and the host may give it to someone else before the symptoms occur. The exact nature of the disease was determined as far back as 1875 by a Danish doctor named P.L. Panum. He determined that the Measles incubation period was 13-14 days, and that one attack confers life long immunity.

A virus is an infectious agent made almost entirely nucleic acid; they are so small that they can only be seen using an elec

Measles generally refers to nine-day measles also called rubeola. Once exposed to the virus it can be 7-18 days before a typical rash develops. The measles virus is present in the mucus and saliva droplets from the nose and mouth; the virus is commonly spread by coughing and sneezing. The initial symptoms of the measles include headaches, a low fever, tiredness, and itchy eyes. Spots spear on the roof of the mouth; they look like small grains of sand surround by an inflamed area. A sore throat may also develop. The Rash appears 3 or 5 days later: A bright red outbreak usually begins on the side of the head, on the front of the ears and spreads over the body over the next day or two. The temperature may climb to 40 degrees Celsius. Inflammation of the eye may cause painful sensitivity to light. The disease is short lived and the rash may fade in 4-5 days, by then the body temperature returns to normal. The disease, while active, renders the patient much more susceptible to bacterial infections and many worsened diseases such as tuberculosis if present. Also the virus can penetrate the central nerves system and cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain tissue), which can lead to convulsions, coma, and even death. Since 1965 the measles vaccine is given to children at the age of approximately 15 months. The vaccine causes the formation of antibodies against the measles virus, which will protect the child from future infectio

Some topics in this essay:
Celsius Inflammation, PL Panum, John Anders, HIV Aids, John Kennedy, Measles Vaccine, measles vaccine, War Beatles, measles virus, nucleic acid, life immunity, electron microscope, limit growth,