WHAT: What are the Measles?
Measles is defined to be a viral infection that is caused by a virus. “Measles is caused by a single-stranded, enveloped RNA virus with one serotype” (cdc.gov). “It is classified as a member of the genus Morbillivirus in the Paramyxoviridae family” (cdc.gov).
“Humans are the only natural hosts of measles virus” (cdc.gov). “The virus typically first comes in contact with host lung tissue, where it infects immune cells called macrophages and dendritic, cells which serve as an early defense and warning system” (sciencemag.org). Then after that these infected cells will migrate to the lymph nodes, transferring the virus to B and T cells. “As soon as it enters the body the virus multiplies in the back of the throat, …show more content…
Measles is one of the most lethal infections ,according to the source (who.int) in 1980, before there was a vaccine against the disease, measles was responsible for 2.6 million deaths a year. Now, measles can still be a fatal disease if not vaccinated, and even if contracted with the disease, there is no available cure.
Measles is a highly contagious virus: it is transmitted through direct contact with any form of connection with an infected person. The disease spreads through the air, airborne, by respiratory droplets produced from the infected person. Therefore one can get measles if they were to inhale infected droplets in the air from a person who has measles, either by simply talking, sneezing, or coughing. “The infected droplets may also land on a surface, where they remain active and contagious for several hours” (mayoclinic.org). One is then able to get the virus by inserting their fingers in the nose or mouth. Additionally, one can also be infected by rubbing the eyes after coming in contact with an infected surface. For example, by touching a contaminated surface, such as a blanket or …show more content…
I think that measles has the ability to be eradicated, once and for all. I believe that the first major step towards eradicating measles would be to launch a global immunization campaign. By initiating this campaign, we can ensure that the majority of the population in any community is properly vaccinated against this virus. Major countries would ultimately have to cooperate with the campaign in order make sure that all the residents can comply with the global immunization against measles campaign.
Additionally, I think that although this global campaign is needed in order to fully eradicate measles, this would evidently take a grand toll economically. Countries would need to find the necessary funds in order to create the vaccines, as well as get everyone to get the vaccine. This would take some effort, since some countries may not be willing or have enough money to fund the global campaign. Nonetheless, with the potential possibility of the elimination of measles then perhaps countries may be more willing to fund the
Measles is defined to be a viral infection that is caused by a virus. “Measles is caused by a single-stranded, enveloped RNA virus with one serotype” (cdc.gov). “It is classified as a member of the genus Morbillivirus in the Paramyxoviridae family” (cdc.gov).
“Humans are the only natural hosts of measles virus” (cdc.gov). “The virus typically first comes in contact with host lung tissue, where it infects immune cells called macrophages and dendritic, cells which serve as an early defense and warning system” (sciencemag.org). Then after that these infected cells will migrate to the lymph nodes, transferring the virus to B and T cells. “As soon as it enters the body the virus multiplies in the back of the throat, …show more content…
Measles is one of the most lethal infections ,according to the source (who.int) in 1980, before there was a vaccine against the disease, measles was responsible for 2.6 million deaths a year. Now, measles can still be a fatal disease if not vaccinated, and even if contracted with the disease, there is no available cure.
Measles is a highly contagious virus: it is transmitted through direct contact with any form of connection with an infected person. The disease spreads through the air, airborne, by respiratory droplets produced from the infected person. Therefore one can get measles if they were to inhale infected droplets in the air from a person who has measles, either by simply talking, sneezing, or coughing. “The infected droplets may also land on a surface, where they remain active and contagious for several hours” (mayoclinic.org). One is then able to get the virus by inserting their fingers in the nose or mouth. Additionally, one can also be infected by rubbing the eyes after coming in contact with an infected surface. For example, by touching a contaminated surface, such as a blanket or …show more content…
I think that measles has the ability to be eradicated, once and for all. I believe that the first major step towards eradicating measles would be to launch a global immunization campaign. By initiating this campaign, we can ensure that the majority of the population in any community is properly vaccinated against this virus. Major countries would ultimately have to cooperate with the campaign in order make sure that all the residents can comply with the global immunization against measles campaign.
Additionally, I think that although this global campaign is needed in order to fully eradicate measles, this would evidently take a grand toll economically. Countries would need to find the necessary funds in order to create the vaccines, as well as get everyone to get the vaccine. This would take some effort, since some countries may not be willing or have enough money to fund the global campaign. Nonetheless, with the potential possibility of the elimination of measles then perhaps countries may be more willing to fund the