Diagnostic Approaches for Measles Virus: Methods, Advances, and Ongoing Challenges

Measles, also known as rubeola, is a highly contagious and potentially life-threatening disease caused by the measles virus. It classically presents with fever, cough, coryza, conjunctivitis, and a maculopapular rash. Despite the availability of an effective vaccine for decades, measles outbreaks continue to occur globally, largely driven by declining vaccination coverage and increased international travel. With no specific antiviral therapy available, rapid and accurate diagnosis remains essential for timely clinical management and effective outbreak control. Diagnostic methods have evolved from traditional virus isolation in cell culture to serologic assays and, more recently, to molecular techniques such as real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR). Each diagnostic method has unique advantages and limitations influenced by specimen type, timing of collection, and laboratory capacity. This minireview summarizes the progress of measles virus diagnostics, outlines current laboratory detection strategies, and discusses emerging technologies and ongoing challenges amid global measles resurgence and increasing public health demands.