Epidemiology of measles
Epidemiology of Measles
Epidemiology of measles (pronunciation: /ˌɛpɪˌdiːmiˈɒlədʒi ɒv ˈmiːzlz/) refers to the study of the patterns, causes, and effects of measles health and disease conditions in defined populations.
Etymology
The term "epidemiology" comes from the Greek words "epi" (upon), "demos" (people), and "logos" (study). "Measles" is derived from the Dutch word "maseln" meaning "spots", referring to the characteristic rash.
Definition
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease, which affects primarily children. It is transmitted via droplets from the nose, mouth, or throat of infected persons. Initial symptoms, which usually appear 10–12 days after infection, include high fever, runny nose, bloodshot eyes, and tiny white spots on the inside of the mouth. Several days later, a rash develops, starting on the face and upper neck and gradually spreading downwards.
Epidemiology
In the field of epidemiology, measles is a significant disease because of its ability to spread rapidly in susceptible populations. Before the introduction of the measles vaccine, measles was a common childhood disease worldwide. Despite the availability of a safe, effective, and inexpensive vaccine, measles remains a leading cause of death among young children globally.
Related Terms
- Virus: The type of microorganism that causes measles.
- Vaccine: A biological preparation that provides active acquired immunity to a particular infectious disease, such as measles.
- Immunity: The capability of the body to resist harmful microorganisms or viruses from entering it.
- Infection: The invasion of an organism's body tissues by disease-causing agents, their multiplication, and the reaction of host tissues to the infectious agents and the toxins they produce.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Epidemiology of measles
- Wikipedia's article - Epidemiology of measles
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