Causes
Measles is caused by a type of virus called a paramyxovirus.
It's transmitted in tiny droplets when an infected person coughs, breathes,
or sneezes. Unlike the influenza virus, the measles virus can't survive for
very long on objects like doorknobs and telephones. Nevertheless, it's very
good at leaping from one person to another, since it's an airborne virus. Research
shows that only 10% of unvaccinated people who share a house with a measles
patient escape infection.