Overview
Recognizing the Clinical Pattern
Measles (rubeola) is an acute viral illness caused by measles virus, an enveloped RNA virus in the Paramyxoviridae family.
NCLEX-RN
NCLEX-RN
Measles (rubeola) is an acute viral illness caused by measles virus, an enveloped RNA virus in the Paramyxoviridae family. It spreads by the airborne route and through respiratory secretions, and it is one of the most contagious human infections. One infected person can cause about 18 further infections among susceptible people, and the virus stays infectious in room air for up to 2 hours after the infected person has left. Most cases in Canada occur in people who are not immunized, and outbreaks usually start with a travel-related case or contact with a known case. Timeline (PHAC) - Incubation: about 10 days from exposure to the first (prodromal) symptoms, with a range of 7 to 18 days. Manitoba Health's quick reference lists an average of 10 to 12 days with a range of 7 to 21 days. - Rash: appears on average 14 days after exposure and can appear as late as 21 days after exposure. - Infectious period: from 4 days before rash onset until 4 days after the rash appears. A person who never develops a rash is...
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