mæslinger

Measles, known in Danish as mæslinger, is an acute viral infectious disease caused by the measles virus, a Morbillivirus in the Paramyxoviridae family. It is among the most contagious infectious diseases, spreading via respiratory droplets and aerosolized particles.

After an incubation of about 10–14 days, individuals typically develop fever, cough, coryza (runny nose), and conjunctivitis. Koplik spots may appear on the oral mucosa. A maculopapular rash usually begins on the face near the hairline and spreads downward over several days, lasting about five to seven days. People are most contagious from several days before to several days after rash onset.

Complications are common in young children and in people with malnutrition or vitamin A deficiency. Pneumonia is a leading cause of measles-related death; otitis media, diarrhea, and encephalitis can occur. Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a rare, progressive brain disease that can develop years after infection in unvaccinated individuals.

Diagnosis is typically clinical but can be confirmed by laboratory tests such as measles-specific IgM serology or RT-PCR from respiratory samples or urine.

Treatment is supportive: ensuring hydration, fever management, and vitamin A supplementation in children at risk. Prevention relies on vaccination with two doses of measles-containing vaccine (commonly MMR). High vaccination coverage builds herd immunity and reduces outbreaks. Global elimination efforts have reduced incidence in many regions, though outbreaks persist in areas with low vaccination uptake.