Paramyxoviruses, which cause the measles virus, is extremely contagious RNA viruses. Measles viruses can survive for up to two hours in the air. An outbreak may last as long as 10 days but the disease takes between 1 and 2 weeks to incubate. Contagiousness is greatest when the disease is in its early stages (prodromal stage). A person is contagious for a prolonged period. Ninety percent of people who are exposed to measles will develop the disease. When sick people cough or sneeze, droplets produced from their coughs or sneezes infect others. Check out the official website of or download the app for an elaborate and easy explanation.
Symptoms
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Usually, conjunctivitis involves inflammation of the external membrane of the eye, resulting in red, watery eyes.
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A Koplik spot appears in the mouth prior to a rash appearing. The rash appears approximately five days after the illness started. Within about a day, the rash appears on the face, and it spreads to the body, abdomen, and limbs.
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Some people can suffer from severe measles, which results in brain swelling and even blindness. In some cases, complications such as pneumonia or encephalitis can lead to death from measles.
Vaccination against measles is possible. Immunity against the virus is provided by the MMR vaccine. The prevalence of measles has decreased significantly as a result of widespread vaccination.
What is Rubella?
A virus that causes rubella also has RNA as its nucleic acid. In the same way, that measles is spread through breathing secretions, coughing, and sneezing. A person infected may be contagious for up to a week before they show signs of illness. After showing signs of illness, they may remain contagious for about two weeks.
The German measles isn’t nearly as contagious as measles, so it is also called German measles. Rubella sometimes causes illness without symptoms. Except for those with a compromised immune system, it is not a serious illness. It takes about two to three weeks for the disease to incubate.
Symptoms
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This may be accompanied by a low fever (less than 38.3o C), general discomfort, conjunctivitis, and swollen lymph nodes. In some cases, people may experience pain in the joints.
Rubella is best prevented by the MMR vaccine. With vaccination programs, incidences of Rubella have decreased.
Difference between Measles and Rubella
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Measles |
Rubella |
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Are highly contagious. |
Less contagious than measles. |
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Symptoms last up to 10 days. |
Symptoms last up to 5 days. |
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The prodromal stage is present. |
The prodromal stage is absent. |
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Incubation lasts between one and two weeks. |
Incubation lasts from two to three weeks. |
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The lymph nodes are not always swollen. |
Lymph nodes are swollen. |
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High fever of more than 40°C. |
Usually low fever of 38.3°C. |
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Measles rashes are blotchy with red spots. |
Rubella’s rashes fade rapidly. |
Rubella and Measles are both caused by RNA viruses. The virus is transmitted by infected people’s nasal droplets. The symptoms of both diseases are similar, but the rashes are slightly different. The MMR vaccine prevents both diseases.
Summary
A person with the MMR (mumps measles rubella) vaccine may be vaccinated against both of these diseases.