Measles virus particle, illustration. © Kateryna Kon / Science Source

The Science of the Measles

October 22, 2025

The first written description of measles appeared in the 9th century, recorded by Persian physician Muhammad ibn Zakariya al-Razi.

This highly contagious viral infection originated from a mutation of a bovine disease called rinderpest. Through global vaccination efforts, rinderpest was eradicated in 2011.

While cattle are now safe, humans remain vulnerable to the measles virus.

With global travel, measles spread rapidly across continents, leaving illness and death in its wake.

GALLERY OF MEASLES STOCK IMAGES

Those infected typically develop a high fever, cold-like symptoms, and a rash. Most recover within a few weeks, but some develop pneumonia or encephalitis. Pregnant women face the risk of severe complications, including harm to their unborn child.

The worst U.S. outbreak occurred before the vaccine was developed, causing nearly 500 deaths and over half a million infections.

The measles vaccine, developed in 1963 and widely available by 1971, is 97% effective. Yet some still put children—and others—at risk by avoiding vaccination. Even a mild case can transmit the virus to infants, older adults, or those with weakened immune systems, leading to serious illness or death.

In rare cases, measles can lead to a fatal complication known as subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE).

Everyone has the choice to vaccinate, but it’s vital that decisions are based on accurate medical information.

Science Source provides authentic medical imagery, illustrations, and infographics to support your healthcare communication projects.

Measles Illustration

Symptoms, complications and infections rate. © Monica Schroeder / Science Source

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Baby with Measles Rash

A baby infected with the Morbillivirus, the cause of measles, or rubeola. © Betty Partin / Science Source

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TEM of Measles (rubeola) Virus

Colored transmission electron micrograph (TEM) of a measles virus (rubeola), with its envelope broken exposing the nucleocapsid filaments. © Dr. Linda Stannard / Science Source

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Rinderpest Plague, 1868

Cattle dying in the slaughterhouse yards, during the cattle plague. Measles developed from a mutation of the rinderpest virus. © NLM / Science Source

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Spinosaurus aegyptiacus in its paleo-environment: North Africa (Egypt) around 95 million years ago. This Spinosaurus is a male in its breeding colouration; we can see this from the brightly colored throat and the yellow blotches on the sail. This male is patrolling its territory in search of a potential partner. © Simone Zoccante / Science Source

New Paleoartists Bring the Prehistoric World to Life: Simone Zoccante, Mohamad Haghani and Gustavo Higón

September 26, 2025

Science Source is excited to welcome three new paleoartists—Simone Zoccante, Gustavo Higón, and Mohamad Haghani to our collection. Each brings prehistoric creatures to life while recreating Earth’s ancient landscapes with the latest scientific insights.

Simone Zoccante, an Italian artist with nearly a decade of experience, has become a leading figure in contemporary paleoart. His crisp, highly detailed digital style merges scientific accuracy with a striking modern look. Featured here is his Spinosaurus, a dinosaur built for aquatic hunting, with a crocodile-like tail for propulsion, dense bones that kept it submerged, and a sail that may have aided swimming or served as display. Altogether, these traits made it one of the best swimmers of land-dwelling dinosaurs.

Gallery of Stock Image Paleo Art Content

Computer illustration depicting an adult Dakotaraptor steini. © Gustavo Higón/Science Source

Gustavo Higón, based in Spain, is known for his cinematic paleoart. His illustrations often place dinosaurs in stark, desert environments, capturing both their power and fragility. His illustration of an adult Dakotaraptor steini in full stride shows one of the largest raptors —over 16 feet long, feathered, and built for speed. The scene emphasizes its anatomy and locomotion, illustrating how this predator hunted and explored its ecosystem.

Two Elasmosauruses swimming through the water, chasing and preying upon schools of fish in a dynamic underwater scene. © Mohamad Haghani / Science Source

Mohamad Haghani, from Iran, has been working in paleoart for nearly ten years. Combining detailed anatomy with carefully reconstructed environments, Haghani conveys the most current scientific research with striking, realistic imagery.

His two Elasmosauruses swimming through the water, captures the long necks, paddled limbs, and slender bodies of the species. Using current research, he highlights how they maintained a straightened posture and an out-stretched neck while hunting.

Together, these artists expand our growing collection of paleoart. Explore their work and many other illustrators and photographers covering prehistoric life, fossils, and more at ScienceSource.com.

Authentic Sickle Cell Anemia Content for Publishing and Healthcare Communication

September 18, 2025

Microscopic photo of Sickle cells, crescent-shaped erythrocytes (red blood cells) that result from a change in the amino acid sequence of the cells' hemoglobin. © Eye of Science/Science Source

Sickle cell anemia is the most common inherited blood disorder worldwide. In the United States, it primarily affects people of African descent, with 1 in 365 African American births impacted. Globally, the disease is more prevalent in regions such as sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia, where malaria is endemic.

Despite advances in treatment—such as bone marrow and stem cell transplants and promising gene therapies—access to a cure remains limited. Patients often face lifelong complications, including chronic pain, anemia, frequent infections, stroke, and even leukemia. Clear, accurate communication about the dangers and treatments of this disease is more important than ever.

At Science Source, we provide authentic medical stock photography, illustrations, and video content—never AI-generated. Our robust captions and accurate metadata make our collection of medical scans, micrographs, and educational visuals ideal for use in publishing, healthcare communication, and educational projects.