How to recognise and manage measles
### What you need to know Measles is caused by Morbillivirus hominis , a member of the Paramyxoviridae family (which includes mumps, parainfluenza, and Nipah viruses).1 Spread is airborne through aerosol and respiratory droplets, or through touching a surface contaminated with infected droplets (fomites). Infection normally results in lifelong immunity.2 Measles is highly infectious, with an estimated R of 12-18 (basic reproduction number, in which one case will go on to infect 12-18 other people), approximately 10 times higher than for covid-19 or influenza.3 Infection can have serious consequences for vulnerable patients (including those who are immunosuppressed or pregnant) but also causes transient immune suppression that can last from months to years in otherwise healthy individuals. This immunosuppression is the main cause of death from measles, especially in areas with high rates of malnutrition (such as in humanitarian emergencies).24 In most countries, including the UK, measle
