MEASLES
Key facts
Anyone can get measles if they haven't been vaccinated or had it before, although it's most common in children aged between one and four years old.
The measles virus is contained in the millions of tiny droplets that come out of the nose and mouth when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
The virus spreads very easily, and measles is caused by breathing in these droplets or by touching a surface that has been contaminated with the droplets and then placing your hands near your nose or mouth.
The initial symptoms of measles include:
Unprotected population
Despite this global progress, some populations remain unprotected. An estimated 20 million children worldwide did not receive the first dose of vaccine in 2011. More than half of these children live in five countries:
In 2011, large measles outbreaks were reported in all these countries and several others in:
MMR
The most effective way of preventing measles is the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
The first MMR vaccination should be given when your child is around 13 months old. A booster is given before your child starts school.
If your child is younger than 13 months and you think they may have been exposed to the measles virus, see your GP immediately. The MMR may be given if they are over six months old, or they may be given antibodies for immediate protection if they are younger than six months old.
Measles and pregnancy
If you're planning to get pregnant and you have not had measles, arrange with your GP to have the MMR vaccine.
If you catch measles during pregnancy, it can be passed on to your baby, which can be very damaging or even fatal to your baby. Measles in pregnancy can cause miscarriage, premature labour or a baby with low birthweight. The MMR jab cannot be given during pregnancy.
By the end of 2015
To achieve measles and rubella elimination in at least five WHO regions.
The strategy focuses on the implementation of five core components:
- Measles is one of the leading causes of death among young children even though a safe and cost-effective vaccine is available.
- In 2011, there were 158 000 measles deaths globally – about 430 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 71% drop in measles deaths between 2000 and 2011 worldwide.
- In 2011, about 84% of the world's children received one dose of measles vaccine by their first birthday through routine health services – up from 72% in 2000.
Anyone can get measles if they haven't been vaccinated or had it before, although it's most common in children aged between one and four years old.
The measles virus is contained in the millions of tiny droplets that come out of the nose and mouth when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
The virus spreads very easily, and measles is caused by breathing in these droplets or by touching a surface that has been contaminated with the droplets and then placing your hands near your nose or mouth.
The initial symptoms of measles include:
- cold-like symptoms
- red eyes and sensitivity to light
- fever
- greyish white spots in the mouth and throat
Unprotected population
Despite this global progress, some populations remain unprotected. An estimated 20 million children worldwide did not receive the first dose of vaccine in 2011. More than half of these children live in five countries:
- the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) (0.8 million)
- Ethiopia (1 million)
- India (6.7 million)
- Nigeria (1.7 million)
- Pakistan (0.9 million)
In 2011, large measles outbreaks were reported in all these countries and several others in:
- DRC (134 042 cases)
- Ethiopia (3255 cases)
- France (14 949 cases)
- India (29 339 cases)
- Italy (5189 cases)
- Nigeria (18 843 cases)
- Pakistan (4386 cases)
- Spain (3802 cases)
MMR
The most effective way of preventing measles is the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
The first MMR vaccination should be given when your child is around 13 months old. A booster is given before your child starts school.
If your child is younger than 13 months and you think they may have been exposed to the measles virus, see your GP immediately. The MMR may be given if they are over six months old, or they may be given antibodies for immediate protection if they are younger than six months old.
Measles and pregnancy
If you're planning to get pregnant and you have not had measles, arrange with your GP to have the MMR vaccine.
If you catch measles during pregnancy, it can be passed on to your baby, which can be very damaging or even fatal to your baby. Measles in pregnancy can cause miscarriage, premature labour or a baby with low birthweight. The MMR jab cannot be given during pregnancy.
By the end of 2015
- To reduce global measles deaths by at least 95% compared with 2000 levels.
- To achieve regional measles and rubella/congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) elimination goals.
To achieve measles and rubella elimination in at least five WHO regions.
The strategy focuses on the implementation of five core components:
- achieve and maintain high vaccination coverage with two doses of measles- and rubella-containing vaccines;
- monitor the disease using effective surveillance, and evaluate programmatic efforts to ensure progress and the positive impact of vaccination activities;
- develop and maintain outbreak preparedness, rapid response to outbreaks and the effective treatment of cases;
- communicate and engage to build public confidence and demand for immunization;
- perform the research and development needed to support cost-effective action and improve vaccination and diagnostic tools.
MEASLES NEWS
Pakistan Today:
Monday, 15 Apr 2013
As many as 48 new measles patients have been admitted in Mayo Hospital while 12 of them are in a critical situation, Pakistan Today has learnt.
A large number of measles complaints are coming from populated areas of the city including Shadara, Band Road and Shadbagh. As many as 400 measles cases have been reported at the Mayo Hospital till the filing of this report, out of which 376 have been treated while 24 have died.
Dawn News:
LAHORE, Jan 23: The year 2013 bodes ill for Pakistan as far as measles is concerned as the World Health Organization (WHO) has reported 94 measles outbreaks throughout the country in the first three weeks of January alone.
The WHO report has described the situation in Pakistan as alarming due to a steady increase in measles cases and deaths.
The WHO reports 25 measles outbreaks in Punjab over the last three weeks, exposing the provincial government, which has trumpeted much about the ‘normal situation’ in the province. Punjab health officials have denied measles outbreak in any part of the province so far. According to the WHO, Punjab has the second highest number of measles outbreaks after Balochistan, where 33 outbreaks were reported in the first three weeks of 2013.
Pakistan Today:
Monday, 15 Apr 2013
As many as 48 new measles patients have been admitted in Mayo Hospital while 12 of them are in a critical situation, Pakistan Today has learnt.
A large number of measles complaints are coming from populated areas of the city including Shadara, Band Road and Shadbagh. As many as 400 measles cases have been reported at the Mayo Hospital till the filing of this report, out of which 376 have been treated while 24 have died.
Dawn News:
LAHORE, Jan 23: The year 2013 bodes ill for Pakistan as far as measles is concerned as the World Health Organization (WHO) has reported 94 measles outbreaks throughout the country in the first three weeks of January alone.
The WHO report has described the situation in Pakistan as alarming due to a steady increase in measles cases and deaths.
The WHO reports 25 measles outbreaks in Punjab over the last three weeks, exposing the provincial government, which has trumpeted much about the ‘normal situation’ in the province. Punjab health officials have denied measles outbreak in any part of the province so far. According to the WHO, Punjab has the second highest number of measles outbreaks after Balochistan, where 33 outbreaks were reported in the first three weeks of 2013.