Infectious diseases are a common thing among people, and out of them, to take the crown. These two are Measles and Chickenpox.
Measles vs Chickenpox
The difference between Measles and Chickenpox is that they are caused by different viruses and have a different symptom pattern that makes it easier to distinguish. The varicella-zoster virus causes chickenpox in the body, whereas the measles virus causes measles in the body, a name derivation. Both of the viruses are contagious, which means they can be spread through sneezing, coughing, or through any kind of close contact with the person suffering it.
Measles usually shows its first symptom as a rash in the hairline or forehead, which is followed by its appearance in other parts of the body.
Chickenpox usually spreads through inhalation of the respiratory drops that come out when a sick person suffering from it coughs or sneezes.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Measles | Chickenpox |
|---|---|---|
| Caused by | Measles is caused by the paramyxovirus. | Chickenpox is caused by the varicella virus. |
| Incubation | The duration of incubation for measles is 2 weeks. | The duration of incubation for chickenpox is 5-6 days. |
| Symptoms | Rashes on the forehead, fever, cough, and sore throat. | Fever, headache, tiredness with rashes on chest and face. |
| Diagnostic Signs | Koplik’s spot is the diagnostic sign of measles. | Vesiculopapular lesions are the diagnostic sign of chickenpox. |
| Transmission | Transmission occurs through sneezing, coughing. | Crusting of lesions of the person who is already suffering. |
What is Measles?
Measles is considered as one of the highly infectious viruses or commonly known as the viral infection that usually affects the respiratory system of the human body.
The Measles virus or the Paramyxovirus affects and infects the respiratory tract first in the body. Then, it gradually spreads to different parts of the body, like hands, forehead, chest, etc., through the blood in the body.
People suffering from measles can go on to spread the virus to anywhere with his, her, their, etc. approx. Spread to 9 and 18 people.
What is Chickenpox?
Chickenpox is another highly contagious virus that is caused by the varicella virus. The symptoms of chickenpox are itchy parts of the body, blister-like rash that can crust.
Even though it is a curable infectious disease, chickenpox can be dangerous. They tend to get serious, especially in babies and pregnant women.
It takes about 10 to 20 days for a person to develop chickenpox after they had exposure to a person suffering from chickenpox. There is also a high chance that a vaccinated person can catch the disease and spread it to others.
Main Differences Between Measles and Chickenpox
- A person will suffer from chickenpox typically for 5 and 7 days, whereas measles infection can last over a timeframe of two to three weeks.
- Chickenpox is considered a mild infection yet can cause severe complications in certain risk groups. On the other hand, complications of measles sometimes include ear infections, bronchitis, pneumonia, etc.
References
- https://www.cabdirect.org/cabdirect/abstract/19452700960
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022519398908657
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My name is Piyush Yadav, and I am a physicist passionate about making science more accessible to our readers. You can read more about me on my bio page.
