CME Dermatology 22: Measles - Empidemiology and Clinical Manifestations

Abstract

CME Dermatology 22: Measles - Empidemiology and Clinical Manifestations Abstract. Measles is a highly contagious, acute and febrile illness that results from infection with measles virus. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates a worldwide prevalence of ten million patients per year, leading to approximately 142 000 deaths (case fatality rate 1.4 %). The illness begins with fever, malaise and typically with at least one of the following signs: cough, coryza and/or conjunctivitis. Three to four days later, the characteristical rash appears. The primary clinical diagnosis needs to be confirmed by detection of specific IgM antibodies in serum or viral RNA by a throat swap. The management mainly consists of supportive therapy, a specific antiviral treatment does not exist. Therefore, prevention by widespread measles vaccination has absolute priority.