Measles (Rubeola) Virus, Qualitative Real‑Time PCR, Nasopharyngeal/Throat

Use

Measles is a highly contagious, acute viral respiratory illness characterized by high fever, malaise, cough, coryza, conjunctivitis, and Koplik spots, followed by a spreading maculopapular rash approximately 14 days after exposure. Infants and children under 5 years of age, adults older than 20, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals are at increased risk for severe complications such as pneumonia or encephalitis. Detection of measles RNA by real‑time RT‑PCR from respiratory specimens (throat or nasopharyngeal swabs) may detect viral RNA earlier than IgM serology, supporting earlier diagnosis in disease progression. PCR remains positive up to 10–14 days after rash onset whereas IgM may not yet be detectable. This testing aligns with CDC recommendations for acute measles infection diagnosis.