Which of the following is the reservoir for measles?

RUHS, Jaipur, M.Sc Nursing Entrance Exam-2021

Applied Microbiology & Infection control

Easy

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, M.Sc Nursing Entrance Exam-2021

Explanation

The reservoir of an infectious agent is the habitat where it normally lives and multiplies.
For the measles virus, humans are the only natural reservoir; the virus does not have an animal or environmental reservoir (SRC_867).
The virus is transmitted from person to person, and it cannot survive for long outside the human body.
Carriers of measles are not known to occur; the source of infection is a case of measles (SRC_867).

Option B: Soil is not a reservoir for the measles virus. The virus is fragile and cannot survive in the soil.
Option C: Water is not a reservoir for the measles virus. While water can be a vehicle for other diseases, the measles virus is transmitted through respiratory droplets, not water.
Option D: Fomites (inanimate objects) are not the reservoir for measles. They are considered vehicles of transmission. The measles virus survives for less than two hours on surfaces, making fomites an inefficient mode of spread and not a place where the virus multiplies.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Reservoir of infectious diseases, specifically measles as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Because humans are the only reservoir, measles is a candidate for eradication. High vaccination coverage with the MMR vaccine is the key strategy to interrupt transmission and protect the community (herd immunity).
Nurses must implement airborne precautions for patients with measles to prevent transmission in healthcare settings. This includes placing the patient in a negative-pressure room and using N95 respirators.
Patient and family education on the importance of completing the vaccination schedule is a critical nursing role in preventing measles outbreaks.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the keyword in the question stem, which is 'reservoir'.
Define 'reservoir' in an epidemiological context: the natural habitat where a pathogen lives, multiplies, and from which it can spread.
Differentiate 'reservoir' from 'mode of transmission' (e.g., droplets, fomites) and 'source of infection' (the specific person/object from which infection is acquired).
Recall the specific characteristics of the measles virus. It is a human-specific virus.
Evaluate each option: 'Soil' and 'Water' are environmental reservoirs for other diseases. 'Fomites' are vehicles of transmission, not reservoirs. 'Man' fits the definition of the sole reservoir for measles.
Select the option that correctly identifies the primary habitat where the measles virus perpetuates itself.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 1 — Subpart A (pp 26-201 of 604) pp. 150-152, 89-91

E6 Microbiology Essentials Sastry 4e Part 1 p. 130-132