Measles virus infections typically occur in the childhood. In industrial nations difficult complications are rare, but in undeveloped countries - especially with inadequate diet - the measles virus is a serious risk for children.Humans are the only known natural hosts of measles. Measles are spread through respiration (contact with fluids of an infected person's nose and mouth, either directly or through aerosol transmission), and are high contagious.After invasion in the pharynx and replication in lymphoid tissues the virus is distributed in two episodes. First catarrhal symptoms may appear like cough, coryza (runny nose) and conjunctivits, accompanied by fever for at least three days. Thereafter the oral mucosa displays an enanthem and the tiny white "Koplik's spot". Then the fever once again rises (may reach up to 40°C) and the typical measles exanthem manifests.Possible complications include otitis in the form of bacterial superinfection as well as pneumonia and encephalitis. Hereof 3 forms can be differentiated:Acute, post infectious form: An autoimmune reaction against neuralgic tissue, the lethality rate is high.Acute, progressive form: Rare complication with immunocompromised patients.Sub acute, sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE): Nucleocapsids accumulate in brain cells, whereby few or no viral progeny are produced for lack of matrix protein. This disease occurs between the ages of 1-20, involves loss of memory and personality changes and usually results in death within 6-12 months.
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