Breaking news! Measles outbreak in Ohio has prompted us to talk a little bit about this.
Measles is highly contagious and requires 95% of eligible human beings in the community to be vaccinated. 25% in this Ohio community are unvaccinated. It is an RNA virus, the only host is human.
Clinically, viral syndrome like fever, malaise, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis, so called "koplik" spots which we try to describe.
The scary stuff, is encephalitis (we explain), pneumonia, and other brain complications, and death.
The freshly coughed pocket of air is not the only way it is transmitted! And you can infect others before you have symptoms!
Folks with measles have weakened immune systems!
Mina MJ, Kula T, Leng Y, et al. Measles virus infection diminishes preexisting antibodies that offer protection from other pathogens. Science 2019 November 01; 366(6465):599-606
Petrova VN, Sawatsky B, Han AX, et al. Incomplete genetic reconstitution of B cell pools contributes to prolonged immunosuppression after measles. Science Immunology 2019 November 01; 4:1-14
Vaccine is incredibly effective! No known transmission among vaccinated folks.
Send us your questions and comments at drtoniaanddraimee@gmail.com
Thanks to Jeff Jeudy for providing the music!
Part 2 is about Voldemort!