Measles

News: Bangladesh launched an emergency vaccination campaign targeting more ​than a million children as a fast-spreading measles ‌outbreak sweeps across the nation.

About Measles

• Measles is an infection of the respiratory system, immune system and skin.
  • It is also known as morbilli.
• Caused by: It is caused by the measles virus (MV), a paramyxovirus of the genus Morbillivirus. 
  • Paramyxovirus is a family of negative-strand RNA viruses in the order Mononegavirales.
• Transmission
  • It is a highly contagious disease
  • It spreads by contact with infected nasal or throat secretions (coughing or sneezing) or breathing the air that was breathed by an infected person.
  • The virus remains active and contagious in the air or on infected surfaces for up to two hours.
• Symptoms: It usually begins 10–14 days after exposure to the virus.
  • Rash is the most visible symptom along with a running nose, cough, red and watery eyes and small white spots inside the cheeks.
  • The rash begins about 7–18 days after exposure, usually on the face and upper neck.
  • It usually lasts 5–6 days before fading.
• Who is at greater risk: Any non-immune person can become infected.
  • Unvaccinated young children and pregnant persons are at the highest risk of severe measles complications.
• Treatment: There is no specific treatment for measles.
  • Care focuses on relieving symptoms, staying hydrated, and eating a healthy diet.
  • Vitamin A supplements are given to children and adults to help prevent eye damage and blindness.
• Prevention: Community-wide vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles.
  • Vaccines used: Vaccines such as Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine and Measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (MMRV) vaccine are used for prevention.
• India’s effort toward prevention: Union Health Minister recently launched the National Zero Measles-Rubella Elimination Campaign 2025–26.