Clinical Information

Measles virus is a single-stranded, negative-sense RNA paramyxovirus belonging to the genus Morbillivirus that causes acute respiratory illness. Symptoms of infection include fever, malaise, cough, coryza, and conjunctivitis. Following the onset of symptoms, individuals typically develop a pathognomonic enanthema (Koplik spots) followed by a maculopapular rash. Measles virus is transmitted via inhalation of aerosols or respiratory droplets and is highly contagious. Measles virus can also be transmitted by direct contact with infected secretions or contaminated fomites. Laboratory confirmation of measles cases can be through serologic detection of measles-specific IgM antibodies or molecular detection of measles virus RNA. The use of reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction can provide increased sensitivity and specificity compared to serologic testing if specimens are collected early after rash onset. Collection of both respiratory and urine samples for analysis is recommended to increase the likelihood of detecting the virus.