Paramyxovirus includes –
**Core Concept**
Paramyxoviruses are a family of negative-sense, single-stranded RNA viruses that cause a range of respiratory, neurological, and systemic diseases in humans. They are primarily spread through respiratory droplets and contact with contaminated surfaces.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer includes viruses that are known to cause significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. For example, measles virus (MV) is a paramyxovirus that causes measles, a highly contagious and potentially life-threatening disease characterized by fever, cough, and a characteristic rash. The measles virus infects cells via the CD46 receptor and replicates in the respiratory tract, leading to symptoms and complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because it does not include any well-known paramyxoviruses.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because it lists a virus that belongs to a different viral family, the Picornaviridae.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because it lists a virus that belongs to the Flaviviridae family, which includes viruses such as Zika and West Nile viruses.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Paramyxoviruses are highly contagious and can cause significant outbreaks, particularly in areas with low vaccination rates. The measles virus, for example, is highly contagious and can spread to up to 90% of susceptible individuals in a population.
**Correct Answer: B. Measles Virus**