Measles : A Deadly Threat That Vaccination Can Eradicate

Measles, a highly contagious viral disease, remains a significant public health concern worldwide despite the availability of an effective vaccine. Caused by the Measles Morbillivirus, this disease primarily affects children but can also infect unvaccinated individuals of any age. With its potential to cause severe complications and outbreaks, understanding measles and its prevention is crucial for global health security.

Causes and Transmission

Measles is caused by the measles virus, which is spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can remain airborne or live on surfaces for up to two hours, making it highly transmissible. Unvaccinated individuals who come into contact with an infected person have a 90% chance of contracting the disease. Measles has an incubation period of 7–14 days, during which symptoms gradually develop.

Symptoms and Complications

The initial symptoms of measles resemble those of the common flu and include:

• High fever (often above 104°F or 40°C)
• Cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
• Koplik’s spots (small white spots inside the mouth, unique to measles)
• Rash (red, flat spots that begin on the face and spread downward to the rest of the body)

Complications can arise, particularly in young children, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals. These complications include:

• Pneumonia (a leading cause of measles-related deaths)
• Encephalitis (brain inflammation that can lead to long-term neurological damage)
• Severe diarrhea and dehydration
• Blindness and hearing loss

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis of measles is typically based on clinical symptoms, particularly the presence of Koplik’s spots and the characteristic rash. Laboratory tests, such as RT-PCR and serological tests, can confirm the presence of the virus.

There is no specific antiviral treatment for measles. Supportive care includes:

• Hydration and fever management
• Vitamin A supplementation, which reduces the risk of severe complications
• Hospitalization, in severe cases, to manage complications such as pneumonia or encephalitis

Prevention and Vaccination

Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles. The Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine is administered in two doses, typically given at:

• 12–15 months of age (first dose)
• 4–6 years of age (second dose)

The MMR vaccine is safe and provides lifelong immunity in most cases. In countries with high vaccination coverage, measles cases have drastically declined. However, vaccine hesitancy and misinformation continue to pose significant challenges to global eradication efforts.

Measles Outbreaks and Global Impact

Despite efforts to eliminate measles, outbreaks still occur, particularly in areas with low vaccination coverage. Factors contributing to outbreaks include:

• Vaccine misinformation and hesitancy
• Lack of access to healthcare and immunization services
• High population density and migration

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), measles remains one of the leading causes of death among young children, with over 140,000 deaths reported annually worldwide, primarily in developing countries.

Conclusion

Measles is a preventable yet highly contagious disease that continues to pose a threat to global health. Strengthening immunization programs, increasing public awareness, and combating misinformation are essential steps toward eliminating measles. Governments, healthcare workers, and international organizations must collaborate to ensure universal vaccine coverage, ultimately safeguarding communities from this devastating disease.