Morbillivirus
![](https://parasiteguide.libbymitchell.dcreate.domains/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Morbilivirus_virion2.jpg)
Morphological Characteristics
This virus is made up of an envelope which surrounds strands of RNA. The proteins on the outer membrane are important binding and penetrating the host cell.
Identification Methods
PCR tests can rapidly identify Morbillivirus, however hosts will show symptoms which also help identify this virus. About a week after infection, the host will develop a fever. Next, the host will develop white spots within the mouth. Finally, the person breaks out in a rash beginning at the hairline that spreads all the way down the body. The host may also develop a fever above 104ºF.
LIFE CYCLE
- Virus is spread to new host via respiratory droplets
- Virus attached to host cell surface receptors
- It fuses with the plasma membrane in order to release its RNA into the cell cytoplasm
- Transcription begins in the cyctoplasm
- Replication begins when there is enough protein present to surround the new RNA
- The virus is released from the cell in order to spread to new cells
HOST INFORMATION
- Human reservoir
- Spreads very easily from host to host via respiratory droplets when people cough or sneeze
- Can also live for up to 2 hours on surfaces
- Measles disease occurs primarily in late winter and spring
- Vaccinations do exist
- In the US and other western countries measles has been essentially eradicated due to vaccines
- This allows vaccinated patients to develop antibodies protecting against infection
- Measles is common in places that do not have widespread access to the vaccine
GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION
Outbreaks occur mostly in areas where the vaccine is not widely distributed. The countries leading in cases are India, Nigeria, and Yemen.
SOURCES
https://www.cdc.gov/measles/transmission.html
https://viralzone.expasy.org/86?outline=all_by_species
https://www.cdc.gov/globalhealth/measles/data/global-measles-outbreaks.html
https://viralzone.expasy.org/86?outline=all_by_species
https://www.who.int/immunization/monitoring_surveillance/burden/laboratory/manual_section1.1/en/