Measles

Abstract

Measles is a highly contagious disease that results from infection with measles virus and is still responsible for more than 100 000 deaths every year, down from more than 2 million deaths annually before the introduction and widespread use of measles vaccine. Measles virus is transmitted by the respiratory route and illness begins with fever, cough, coryza, and conjunctivitis followed by a characteristic rash. Complications of measles affect most organ systems, with pneumonia accounting for most measles-associated morbidity and mortality. The management of patients with measles includes provision of vitamin A. Measles is best prevented through vaccination, and the major reductions in measles incidence and mortality have renewed interest in regional elimination and global eradication. However, urgent efforts are needed to increase stagnating global coverage with two doses of measles vaccine through advocacy, education, and the strengthening of routine immunisation systems. Use of combined measles-rubella vaccines provides an opportunity to eliminate rubella and congenital rubella syndrome. Ongoing research efforts, including the development of point-of-care diagnostics and microneedle patches, will facilitate progress towards measles elimination and eradication.

Public health responses during measles outbreaks in elimination settings: Strategies and challenges

“…106 Use of oral fluid for detection of measles-specific IgM in a point-of-care test may also prove valuable for the early recognition of and response to measles cases and outbreaks. 107 , 108 …”

Fever and Rash: Revisiting Measles

“…[1][2][3] Primary measles pneumonia, known as Hecht's giant cell pneumonia, is caused by measles virus inclusions and only occurs in 3% -4% of infected individuals, mainly immunosuppressed. 2,4 It occurs early in the disease course and is associated with mixed reticular opacities, air-space consolidation and lymph node enlargement on CXR.…”

“…1,3,5 It has a later onset and is characterized by a sudden exacerbation with symptoms and signs that usually begin 5 to 10 days after the rash, neutrophilic leukocytosis and lobar consolidation in the CXR. 6,7 Despite its potential for eradication, measles and its complications are still observed worldwide, with periodic outbreaks in Europe.…”

The Evolution of Pediatric Disease—A Moving Target in Public Health

“…Figure 1 provides examples of emerging infectious diseases of the past fifty years. Likewise, the failure of parents to follow recommended vaccination guidelines as a result of misguided fear related to the safety of vaccines has resulted in the re-emergence of previously well controlled childhood illnesses such as pertussis [3] and measles [4]. Worldwide, infectious diseases remain a leading cause of death among children.…”