According to the World Health Organization, measles is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads easily through respiratory droplets when an infected individual breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Measles can lead to severe health complications and death, primarily affecting children. The virus first infects the respiratory tract and subsequently disseminates throughout the body. Common symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny nose, and a widespread rash.
Vaccination remains the most effective method for preventing measles infection and its transmission. The measles vaccine is safe and enhances the body's ability to combat the virus. Prior to the introduction of the measles vaccine in 1963, significant epidemics occurred every two to three years, resulting in approximately 2.6 million deaths annually. In 2021 alone, an estimated 128,000 individuals succumbed to measles, predominantly children under five years of age, despite the availability of a safe and cost-effective vaccine.
Learn more about measles & measles vaccination.
Explore the Region 7 Disaster Health Response Ecosystem's Alert Center for Measles Outbreak for more infomation, resources, data, and guidance.