MEASLES

• Measles is a highly contagious, serious disease caused by a virus

called paramyxovirus (enveloped, single-stranded, negative-sense
RNA viruses).
• Measles is one of the leading causes of death among young
children even though a safe and cost-effective vaccine is available.
• In 2008, there were 164 000 measles deaths globally – nearly 450
deaths every day or 18 deaths every hour.
• More than 95% of measles deaths occur in low-income countries
with weak health infrastructures.
• Measles vaccination resulted in a 78% drop in measles deaths
between 2000 and 2008 worldwide.
Causative Agent: rubeola virus/paramyxovirus
Incubation Period: 10 days after exposure; 13-15days
before appearance of rashes

Mode of Transmission: directly by DROPLET infection from

cough or sneeze; indirectly with
articles contaminated with
respiratory secretions from infected
persons

Period of 9 days lasting from 4 days before to

Communicability: 5 days after appearance of rashes

Source of Infection: nose and throat secretions

Immunity: one attack confers a lifetime
RISK FACTORS:
•  Unvaccinated young children are at highest risk of measles
and its complications, including death.
• Any non-immune person (who has not been vaccinated or
previously recovered from the disease) can become
infected.
• Countries with low per capita incomes and weak health
infrastructures; common in many developing countries –
particularly in parts of Africa and Asia.
• Measles outbreaks can be particularly deadly in countries
experiencing or recovering from a natural disaster or
conflict.
*Damage to health infrastructure and health services
interrupts routine immunization
*Overcrowding in residential camps greatly increases the
risk of infection.