Acute, highly contagious infection that causes a characteristic rash

In United States, usually an excellent prognosis

May be severe or fatal in patients with impaired cell-mediated immunity

Affects mostly preschool children

Peak communicability from 1 to 2 days before symptom onset until 4 days after rash appears

Mortality highest in children younger than age 2 and in adults

In temperate zones, most commonly seen in late winter and early spring

Also called measles or morbilli

The virus invades the respiratory epithelium and spreads (via the bloodstream) to the reticuloendothelial system, infecting all types of white blood cells.

Viremia and viruria develop, leading to infection of the entire respiratory tract, and spread to the integumentary system.

In measles encephalitis, focal hemorrhage, congestion, and perivascular demyelination occur.

Rubeola virus

Spread by direct contact or by contaminated airborne respiratory droplets, with portal of entry in the upper respiratory tract

Inadequate immunization and exposure to someone with measles in the past 14 days