What is the cause of Measles?

Appeared in: MP CHO -2021 (Shift 1st)

Explanation

Measles, also known as Rubeola, is caused by a single-stranded RNA virus belonging to the Paramyxoviridae family.
Specifically, the measles virus is a member of the genus Morbillivirus.
This virus is distinct from other viruses that cause rashes, such as Varicella-zoster (chickenpox) and Rubella (German measles).
Transmission occurs via respiratory droplets, making it one of the most contagious human infectious diseases.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

Option A: Varicella-zoster virus is a type of herpesvirus that causes chickenpox (varicella) and shingles (herpes zoster). The associated rash is vesicular, not maculopapular like in measles.
Option C: The Rubella virus, a togavirus, causes German measles. Although it also causes a rash, it is a clinically distinct and generally milder illness than measles (Rubeola) and does not cause Koplik's spots.
Option D: Influenza virus is an orthomyxovirus responsible for causing the flu. Its primary symptoms are respiratory and systemic (fever, body aches) and it does not typically cause a rash.

Related Visual

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Causative agent of Measles (Rubeola) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Recognizing the cause and classic signs of measles is critical for nurses for early identification, prompt implementation of airborne precautions, and prevention of outbreaks in both community and hospital settings.
Nurses play a vital role in public health by educating parents and communities about the importance, safety, and efficacy of the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine in preventing this serious disease.
A rare but fatal late complication of measles is Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE), which can occur years after the initial infection. This underscores the importance of prevention through vaccination.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question that asks for the specific causative agent of a well-known infectious disease.
First, identify the key term in the question: 'Measles'. Recall that measles is also known as Rubeola.
Access your knowledge base about common viral pathogens. Consider the options provided.
Evaluate each option: Varicella causes chickenpox, Rubella causes German measles, and Influenza causes the flu.
Identify 'RNA Paramyxovirus' as the correct viral family and type for the measles virus (Morbillivirus).
Confirm the answer by mentally differentiating the clinical presentation of measles (Koplik's spots, 3 Cs) from the other viral illnesses listed.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Causative agent of Measles (Rubeola)
Stem keywords: cause, Measles
Lead-in keywords: What is

Question ID

qCqMQ_fdxE0dJliLUvj2P

Reference Book

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 1 pp. 1680-1682, 1575-1577

E6 Robert Boland, Marcia L. Verduin - Kaplan and Sadock's Comprehensive Text of Psychiatry-Wolters Kluwer Health (2024) (pp 1-16525 of 16525) p. 2036-2038

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