Measles

Measles remains a leading cause of death among young children, despite the availability of a safe and effective vaccine for the past 40 years. An estimated 345 000 people, the majority of them children, died from measles in 2005 (the latest year for which figures are available).

 


More information from the WHO

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WHO Measles Nucleotide Database (MeaNS)

Objective:

The WHO Measles Nucleotide Database (MeaNS) is a quality-controlled, web-accessible resource designed to monitor measles virus diversity and track the progress of measles strain elimination globally.

Current Data Statistics:

  • 44,409 sample records
  • 45,379 viral sequences (as of December 24, 2018)

Key Features & Tools

  • Comprehensive Search Options:
    • Search by any combination of fields within the MeaNS database
    • Find identical or similar measles virus sequences
  • Genotype Measles Strains:
    • Use the database to genotype measles strains based on Measles N genes
  • Free Academic Registration:
    • Register for free to access data and analytical tools. Registration is available for academic use only.

Additional Resources

  • Training Video & FAQ:
    • Access the MeaNS training video and view the FAQ for guidance on using the database effectively.
  • Cite MeaNS:
    • When citing the database, use the following reference:
      Rota PA et al. (2011) "Global distribution of measles genotypes and molecular epidemiology." J. Infect. Dis. 204 Suppl 1:S514-23. DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jir118
  • Hosted by Public Health England:
    The database is funded, curated, and hosted by Public Health England, with a team of experts committed to combating infectious diseases.

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Measles 

LineageViruses >> ssRNA >> ssRNA negative-strand  >> Mononegavirales >> Paramyxoviridae >> Paramyxovirinae >> Morbillivi rus >> Measles  >>
GenomeLinear ssRNA
Length - 15,894 nt
GC content - 47%
Genes - 6
Protein coding - 7

Genotypes of sequences


ProteinStartEndLengthGiLocusLocus tag
Nucleocapsid protein10816855259626946NMeVgp1
Phospho protein180733305079626947PMeVgp2
Nonstructural C protein182923891869626948PMeVgp2
Matrix protein343844453359626949MMeVgp3
Fusion protein545871105509626950FMeVgp4
Hemagglutinin protein727191246179626951HMeVgp5
Large polymerase92341578521839626952LMeVgp6



Measles Virus Contagion :  

Measles is recognized as one of the most contagious viruses in existence. It spreads primarily through airborne transmission, such as when an infected person coughs or sneezes, releasing the virus into the air. The virus can remain infective for up to two hours in the air or on nearby surfaces, making it easy to transmit in close personal contact or through direct contact with respiratory secretions.

  • Infection Rate:

Measles is so contagious that up to 90% of non-immune individuals who have close contact with an infected person (for example, household members) will likely become infected themselves.

  • Human-Only Hosts:

Humans are the only known natural hosts of the measles virus. While other animal species, such as mountain gorillas, may be susceptible, no other animal reservoirs for measles have been identified.


 

Risk Factors for Measles Infection:

Certain groups of people are at a higher risk for contracting measles, including:

  • Immunocompromised Individuals: Those with HIV/AIDS, organ or stem cell transplant recipients, or people undergoing immunosuppressive treatments such as alkylating agents or corticosteroids.
  • Travelers: Individuals traveling to regions where measles is prevalent or those who come into contact with travelers from these areas.
  • Loss of Passive Immunity: Infants who lose passive immunity before receiving the routine measles vaccine.