Where Does Measles Originate From

Where Does Measles Originate From ?

Measles, a highly contagious viral infection, commonly found in children is caused by the “Rubella Virus”. This disease gets its name from the Latin word which means “Little Red” as it causes tiny red rashes all over the body.

Other symptoms of measles include high fever, red watery eyes, running nose, irritability, loss of appetite and acute cough.

One of the first reports of measles is documented as ancient as 600 B.C. but the disease was not well-identified then. Another reference was reported around seventh century. But the first scientific definition and characteristics of this disease, as different from the deadly small pox, was given by Ibn Razi, a Persian physician. In fact, he published a book titled "The Book of Smallpox and Measles",

In the year 1954, the virus which caused this infection was isolated in the US from a 11 year old boy. In the last one and a half century, measles has proved to be fatal for over 200 million patients across the world. However, immunization with MMR vaccine (mumps, measles and rubella) vaccine can prevent contracting the disease.

Currently strains of the measles virus is found to be a promising treatment for brain cancer in the future as the virus is reported to kill the tumor cells without affecting the healthy tissues.

Malnutrition in the developing countries is another widely reported cause for the spread of this epidemic. However, the death rate caused by this infection has declined massively by 74 percent within a short a span of just 7 years between 2000 and 2007. International campaigns have successfully spread the vaccination for this disease globally thus reducing its fatality.

More Articles :

Where Does Measles Originate From