Measles

Measles

Noun · /ˈmiː.zəlz/

Definition

A highly contagious viral infectious disease caused by the measles virus (Morbillivirus), characterised by fever, cough, runny nose, inflamed eyes, and a distinctive rash of red spots beginning on the face and spreading downward; a major cause of childhood death globally before vaccination.

Origin

From Middle English maseles, from Middle Dutch masel (spot, blister), or from Old High German masla (spot). The word entered English in the 14th century. The disease was not clearly distinguished from other spotted fevers until the 10th century Arabic physician al-Razi (Rhazes) gave the first clear medical description. The MMR vaccine, introduced in the 1960s, has dramatically reduced measles deaths worldwide.