Paramyxoviruses are enveloped, single-stranded negative-sense RNA viruses that replicate in the cytoplasm. Diseases caused by these viruses continue to produce high mortality and morbidity across the world. With the development and use of vaccinations and medications, the incidence of serious illness due to paramyxoviruses has tremendously decreased. Yet despite the availability, given the freedom and choice of receiving pre and/or post-exposure treatment, the cases have increased even in developed countries. Cultivating effective vaccines is still in progress for some of the paramyxoviridae species.
The family Paramyxoviridae contains two subfamilies that are relevant to humans: Pneumovirinae and Paramyxovirinae. The subfamily Pneumovirinae gives rise to the genus Pneumovirus (respiratory syncytial virus). The subfamily Paramyxovirinae gives rise to the genus Morbillivirus (measles virus/ rubeola), to the genus Respirovirus (para-influenza viruses 1 and 3), and to the genus Rubulavirus (mumps virus and para-influenza viruses 2 and 4).
Measles and rubella are targeted for elimination in five different World Health Organization (WHO) regions by 2020.
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