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Exclusive Article: Measles – A Preventable Threat to Global Health
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Measles, also known as rubeola, is a highly contagious viral disease that has plagued humanity for centuries. Despite the availability of a safe and effective vaccine, measles remains a significant public health challenge, particularly in regions with low vaccination coverage. This article delves into the causes, symptoms, complications, and prevention strategies for measles, highlighting the importance of vaccination in combating this preventable disease.
What is Measles?
Measles is caused by the measles virus, a member of the Morbillivirus genus. It spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, making it one of the most contagious diseases known to humanity. The virus can remain active in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours, increasing the risk of transmission28.
Symptoms and Progression
The incubation period for measles is typically 10–14 days. Early symptoms resemble those of a severe cold and include:
.High fever
.Cough
.Runny nose
.Red, watery eyes
Small white spots inside the mouth (Koplik spots)
After a few days, a characteristic red, blotchy rash appears, starting on the face and spreading downward to cover the entire body. The rash usually lasts 5–6 days before fading28.
Complications of Measles
While many people recover fully, measles can lead to severe complications, especially in vulnerable populations such as young children, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Common complications include:
Pneumonia (the leading cause of measles-related deaths)
Encephalitis (brain inflammation)
Severe diarrhea and dehydration
Blindness (due to vitamin A deficiency)
Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), a rare but fatal neurological complication2814.
Global Impact of Measles
Before the introduction of the measles vaccine in 1963, the disease caused an estimated 2.6 million deaths annually. Vaccination efforts have significantly reduced this number, but measles remains a leading cause of childhood mortality in low-income countries. In 2023, measles claimed an estimated 107,500 lives globally, mostly among unvaccinated children under the age of five48.
The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated the situation by disrupting routine immunization programs, leaving millions of children vulnerable to measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases8.
Prevention: The Role of Vaccination
The measles vaccine is one of the most effective tools for preventing the disease. Two doses of the vaccine are 97% effective in providing immunity. The vaccine is often administered as part of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) or MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella) combination vaccines813.
Vaccination Schedule:
First dose: 9–12 months (in high-risk areas) or 12–15 months (in low-risk areas)
Second dose: 15–18 months or 4–6 years28.
Despite its effectiveness, global vaccination coverage remains below the 95% threshold required to achieve herd immunity. In 2023, only 83% of children received their first dose of the measles vaccine, leaving approximately 22 million infants unprotected8.
Challenges to Measles Elimination
Vaccine Hesitancy: Misinformation and fear of vaccine side effects have led to declining vaccination rates in some regions.
Healthcare Access: In low-income countries, limited access to healthcare facilities and vaccine shortages hinder immunization efforts.
Conflict and Displacement: Wars and natural disasters disrupt routine immunization programs, increasing the risk of outbreaks48.
The Way Forward
To eliminate measles, global health organizations must prioritize:
Strengthening immunization programs and ensuring equitable access to vaccines.
Conducting public awareness campaigns to combat vaccine hesitancy.
Implementing robust surveillance systems to detect and respond to outbreaks promptly813.
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