Man is the only known reservoir. New world monkeys are more resistant than old world monkeys but exhibit high mortality when infected. Virus is excreted from the mucous membranes of the eye and pharynx and later from the respiratory and urinary tracts. Virus is shed in the prodromal phase and continues through the exanthematous phase. Can spread from man to monkey, monkey to monkey, man to man, and back to monkey to man.
Many infections occur subclinically.
Rash, fever, facial edema, giant cell pneumonia, conjunctivitis, nasal discharge. Incubation period 10-14 days. Can be complicated by middle ear infection, bronchopneumonia, encephalitis Fetal risk if contracted during pregnancy. Bed rest, acetaminophen, saline eye sponges, nose drops. Live attenuated measles vaccine can be given to macaques but causes disease and death in marmosets and owl monkeys.