morbillo

Morbillo is the Italian term for measles, a highly contagious viral disease characterized by fever, cough, coryza, conjunctivitis, and a spreading maculopapular rash. The disease is caused by the measles virus, a member of the genus Morbillivirus within the Paramyxoviridae family.

The virus is transmitted primarily through airborne droplets and is contagious from several days before to several days after the onset of the rash. After an incubation period of about 10 to 12 days, initial symptoms include fever, malaise, cough, coryza, and conjunctivitis, often accompanied by Koplik spots inside the mouth. A characteristic rash typically appears 3 to 5 days after symptoms begin, starting on the face and spreading downward to the trunk and extremities.

Complications can be serious and include diarrhea, pneumonia, ear infections, and, in rare cases, encephalitis. Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis is a very rare, long-term complication. Diagnosis is usually clinical, but laboratory confirmation can be obtained by RT-PCR testing for measles virus RNA or by detecting measles-specific IgM antibodies.

Prevention relies on vaccination with the measles-containing vaccine, most commonly as part of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. A two-dose schedule is widely recommended and has markedly reduced disease incidence in many regions. Vaccination also provides herd immunity, protecting those who cannot be vaccinated. In severe cases, vitamin A supplementation is advised for malnourished children.

Historically, measles affected nearly all children, but vaccination programs have greatly reduced its burden in many countries. Outbreaks continue in areas with insufficient vaccination coverage, and regional elimination status varies. Public health strategies emphasize vaccination, surveillance, and rapid outbreak response.