Measles

Measles is a highly contagious, serious viral disease. Before the introduction of measles vaccine in 1963 and widespread vaccination, major epidemics occurred approximately every two to three years and caused an estimated 2.6 million deaths each year.

An estimated 128000 people died from measles in 2021 mostly children under the age of five years, despite the availability of a safe and cost-effective vaccine.

Measles is caused by a virus in the paramyxovirus family, and is normally passed through direct contact and the air. The virus infects the respiratory tract, then spreads throughout the body, causing severe disease, complications and even death.

Facts

Measles is a highly contagious, serious airborne disease caused by a virus that can lead to severe complications and death.
Measles vaccination averted 56 million deaths being between 2000 and 2021.
Even though a safe and cost-effective vaccine is available, in 2021, there were an estimated 128000 measles deaths globally, mostly among unvaccinated or under vaccinated children under the age of 5 years.
In 2021, about 81% of the world’s children received one dose of measles vaccine by their first birthday through routine health services the lowest since 2008.

What Is Measles?

Measles is an infection you get from a virus. The measles virus lives in the mucus of the nose and throat. It’s spread through the air and by coming into direct contact with someone who has it. The virus can stay active on surfaces and in the air for up to 2 hours.

It’s very contagious. If you haven’t been vaccinated and are in a room with someone who has measles, you have a 90% chance of getting it.

Part of what makes measles so dangerous is that you can be contagious 4 days before you get the telltale rash. So you could easily spread the virus without knowing you have it. You’ll continue to be contagious 4 days after the rash goes away.

Measles Symptoms

Measles usually happens in stages over a period of about 2-3 weeks. For the first 10-14 days after you come into contact with the virus, you won’t have any signs. This is the incubation period.

A high fever is normally the first sign of infection after the incubation period is over. The fever will last 4 to 7 days. During that time, you might have the following symptoms:

Runny nose
Red eyes
Sore throat
Tiny white bumps in your mouth (doctors call these Koplik spots)

Spread of measles

Measles is one of the most contagious infections. It is mainly spread when a person breathes in the virus that has been coughed or sneezed into the air by an infectious person. It can also spread through nose or throat secretions and by touching contaminated surfaces or objects.

People with measles are infectious from 24 hours before symptoms appear until 4 days after the rash appears. The measles virus can survive up to 2 hours in the air or on surfaces. Just being in the same room as someone with measles can result in infection.

Frequently asked questions about measles

Q. What is measles?

A. Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that spreads through the air and direct contact. It is caused by a virus in the paramyxovirus family and can lead to severe complications and even death.

Q. How is measles transmitted?

A. Measles is mainly spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes, releasing the virus into the air. The virus can also be transmitted through nose or throat secretions and by touching contaminated surfaces or objects.

Q. What are the symptoms of measles?

A. The symptoms of measles usually appear in stages over a period of about 2-3 weeks. In the initial stage, there are no signs. After the incubation period, a high fever is typically the first symptom, followed by a runny nose, red eyes, sore throat, and tiny white bumps in the mouth (Koplik spots). A characteristic rash then develops.