Source: TOI
Context: The United States is witnessing its worst measles outbreak since 1992, with over 1,300 cases across 39 states due to falling immunisation rates and vaccine misinformation.
About Measles:
- What Is Measles?
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- Measles is a highly contagious viral disease caused by the Measles morbillivirus, primarily affecting children.
- Declared eliminated in the US in 2000, it has resurged due to vaccine hesitancy and misinformation.
- Key Symptoms:
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- Early Signs: High fever, persistent cough, runny nose, and conjunctivitis (red eyes).
- Characteristic Rash: Begins on the face and spreads to the rest of the body.
- Progression: Symptoms appear 7–14 days after exposure; contagious 4 days before and after rash onset.
- Complications of Measles:
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- Pneumonia and encephalitis (brain swelling) in young children.
- Long-term issues like deafness, blindness, and loss of immune memory.
- Increased risk for malnourished, unvaccinated, or pregnant women.
- Can cause premature birth or stillbirth during pregnancy.
- Measles Spreads:
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- Airborne Transmission: Spreads through coughing, sneezing, and respiratory droplets.
- The virus remains in the air or on surfaces for up to 2 hours.
- Extremely infectious: 90% of exposed unvaccinated people get infected.
- Prevention and Vaccination Strategy:
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- MMR Vaccine: Two doses recommended — at 12–15 months and again at 4–6 years.
- Early vaccination for infants (from 6 months) during outbreaks or international travel.
- Herd immunity threshold: Requires 95% vaccine coverage; current US rate is 92.7%.
