American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

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Study for the ABIM Certification Exam. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions, with hints and explanations for each. Get ready to succeed!

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Which virus is primarily responsible for measles illness?

  1. Rubella virus

  2. Measles virus

  3. Mumps virus

  4. Parvovirus

The correct answer is: Measles virus

The virus primarily responsible for measles illness is the Measles virus. This virus is a member of the Paramyxoviridae family and is highly infectious, leading to classic measles symptoms such as high fever, cough, runny nose, and a characteristic rash. The Measles virus is transmitted through respiratory droplets and can remain infectious on surfaces for several hours, contributing to its ability to cause outbreaks, especially in populations with low vaccination rates. Understanding the nature of the Measles virus is crucial for public health, as it helps emphasize the importance of vaccination in preventing measles infections. Vaccines are highly effective and have played a significant role in reducing the incidence of measles globally.