Measles Virus Infection

Measles virus, an RNA virus belonging to the Paramyxoviridae family, is primarily known for causing a highly contagious systemic infection characterized by fever, cough, coryza, conjunctivitis, and a maculopapular rash. It is most closely associated with hepatitis among paramyxoviruses, with 10–20% of infected children exhibiting subclinical hepatic involvement; severe liver, pulmonary, or neurological complications may occur in immunocompromised individuals. Diagnosis relies on detection of measles-specific IgM antibodies in serum, viral isolation, or identification of viral RNA via PCR from respiratory secretions, blood, or tissue. No specific antiviral therapy is approved, though ribavirin may demonstrate some efficacy. Prevention is effectively achieved through live attenuated measles vaccination or post-exposure administration of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG).