Paramyxoviruses

Paramyxoviruses are a group of viruses that cause serious respiratory and neurologic illnesses in humans and animals. Some of the most well-known paramyxoviruses include measles, mumps and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Paramyxoviruses are important because they can cause significant morbidity and mortality in humans, especially in young children and the elderly. They are also responsible for significant economic losses in the form of increased medical costs and lost productivity. As such, understanding their transmission and treatments is vital for public health. Vaccines offer the best protection against paramyxoviruses and numerous vaccines exist to protect against these viruses. Research into paramyxoviruses continues in order to develop new treatments and vaccines, ultimately providing better protection against these illnesses.