Measles Crossing International Borders Enter the United States
Jane Doe
Western Governors University

Measles Crossing International Borders Enter the United States
Measles is a very contagious disease that is caused by a virus in the paramyxovirus family (World Health Organization, 2016). Measles, a virus only found in humans, can be passed through the air or by direct contact. It can be spread by sneezing, coughing, close personal contact or direct contact with infected nasal or throat secretions. The virus enters the body via mucous membranes and then it is carried throughout the body. Usually when someone has been exposed to measles, the first sign will be a high fever beginning about a week and a half after the exposure and lasting for almost a week. During this time a runny nose, cough, red watery eyes, and small white spots inside the cheeks may be present. A couple of days later a rash will appear on the face and upper neck region. The rash spreads to the hands and feet approximately three days after presenting itself. Almost a week later, the rash will start to fade. (World Health Organization, 2016). There are many risk factors involved with contracting measles. Not being vaccinated against measles is one of the biggest risk factors. Even though there is still a small chance that one could contract measles if vaccinated; if unvaccinated, there is a larger chance of contracting them. Areas consisting of tight living quarters, such as school dormitories, military camps, and even prisons to name a few, could increase the chances of measles spreading.
Traveling out of the United States to under developed countries is another risk factor of contracting measles due to the lack of vaccinations, poor living conditions, and poor hygiene. Also individuals with vitamin A deficiency are more apt to contract measles than individuals with an adequate