What is the chain of infection for measles?

Measles is a highly contagious virus that lives in the nose and throat mucus of an infected person. It can spread to others through coughing and sneezing. If other people breathe the contaminated air or touch the infected surface, then touch their eyes, noses, or mouths, they can become infected.

What is the infectious period of measles?

The incubation period of measles from exposure to prodrome averages 11 to 12 days. The time from exposure to rash onset averages 14 days, with a range of 7 to 21 days. The prodrome lasts 2 to 4 days, with a range of 1 to 7 days.

What is the reservoir for measles?

The virus is related to several viruses that infect animals, including the Canine Distemper Virus. Primates can be infected in vitro but humans are the only reservoir for the measles virus which, theoretically, could be eradicated from the world.

Which strain is used in measles vaccine?

Prevention. Live attenuated measles vaccine became available in 1963 based on the Edmonston strain, but those in current use, such as Schwarz and Moraten strains, are further attenuated. Measles vaccine is available in monovalent form, as well as in combination with mumps and rubella vaccine (MMR).

How do you break the chain of infection for measles?

Break the chain by cleaning your hands frequently, staying up to date on your vaccines (including the flu shot), covering coughs and sneezes and staying home when sick, following the rules for standard and contact isolation, using personal protective equipment the right way, cleaning and disinfecting the environment.

How does the chain of infection work?

More specifically, transmission occurs when the agent leaves its reservoir or host through a portal of exit, is conveyed by some mode of transmission, and enters through an appropriate portal of entry to infect a susceptible host. This sequence is sometimes called the chain of infection.

Why can’t dogs catch the measles?

Although measles spreads rapidly between unvaccinated humans, the CDC Centers for Disease Control reports that no other animals are affected by this virus. This means that your dog cannot contract the measles virus or spread it to you.

Can adults get measles again?

Preventing new infections If you’ve already had measles, your body has built up its immune system to fight the infection, and you can’t get measles again. Most people born or living in the United States before 1957 are immune to measles, simply because they’ve already had it.

Can a person immune to measles spread it?

But the good news is, fully vaccinated people who get measles seem more likely to have a milder illness. And fully vaccinated people seem also less likely to spread the disease to other people, including people who can’t get vaccinated because they are too young or have weakened immune systems.

Why can’t dogs catch measles?

Dogs cannot get measles or transmit the virus to humans. But they are susceptible to canine distemper, a virus in the same family as measles. If not treated, canine distemper can be fatal or cause permanent neurological damage in dogs.

How effective is the measles vaccine at protecting an individual from the measles?

After two doses, 97% of people are protected against measles, 88% against mumps, and at least 97% against rubella. The vaccine is also recommended for those who do not have evidence of immunity, those with well-controlled HIV/AIDS, and within 72 hours of exposure to measles among those who are incompletely immunized.