Definition

Measles is a viral infection (an infection caused by a virus). Its most characteristic feature is a reddish skin rash. Measles is also known as rubeola, five-day measles, or hard measles.

Description

Measles infections occur throughout the world. At one time, they reappeared in two- or three-year cycles, usually in the winter and spring. Today, there is a very effective measles vaccine. This vaccine has greatly reduced the occurrence of measles in many parts of the world.

Babies up to the age of eight months usually do not get measles. They receive special cells from their mothers that protect them against the disease. A person who has had measles will never get the disease again.

Causes

Measles is a very contagious disease. That is, it can be transmitted from one person to another very easily. The usual method of transmission is through coughing or sneezing. The virus...