What is the cause of the measles?

Unmasking Measles: The Morbillivirus and its Highly Contagious Nature

Measles, a disease once considered nearly eradicated in many parts of the world, continues to pose a significant health threat, particularly in communities with low vaccination rates. Understanding the root cause of this highly infectious illness is crucial for effective prevention and control.

The culprit behind measles is the morbillivirus, a single-stranded RNA virus belonging to the Paramyxoviridae family. This microscopic agent is exceptionally adept at spreading from person to person, primarily through the air. Unlike some viruses that require close contact or bodily fluids for transmission, the morbillivirus can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected individual has left the area.

The mechanism of transmission is remarkably efficient. When someone infected with measles coughs, sneezes, speaks, or even simply exhales, tiny respiratory droplets containing the virus are expelled into the surrounding environment. These airborne particles can then be inhaled by susceptible individuals, leading to infection. This airborne nature contributes to the high contagiousness of measles; it’s estimated that a single person with measles can infect up to 18 other unvaccinated individuals.

The virus’s ability to remain suspended in the air also means that transmission can occur indirectly. A person can contract measles without ever being in direct contact with someone exhibiting symptoms. Sharing a room or enclosed space previously occupied by an infected person, even hours later, poses a risk.

While the primary mode of transmission is airborne, it’s important to note that contact with contaminated surfaces can also play a role, although less frequently. The virus can survive on surfaces for a short period, and touching a contaminated surface followed by touching the eyes, nose, or mouth can lead to infection. However, airborne transmission remains the dominant and most concerning route of spread.

Understanding the morbillivirus and its highly contagious nature underscores the critical importance of vaccination. Widespread vaccination creates herd immunity, protecting not only vaccinated individuals but also those who cannot be vaccinated due to medical reasons, creating a protective shield against the spread of this potentially serious disease.