Measles: A Deadly Disease That Can Be Prevented, Here's How

One of the most contagious and potentially fatal diseases, measles, remains preventable through vaccination programs.

The decline of measles worldwide since the 1980s is largely attributed to these programs, saving over 50 million lives in the past two decades alone, as stated by the World Health Organization (WHO).

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Measles: A deadly disease

In the 1980s, measles saw as many as 4 million cases annually, while by the early 2020s, infection rates had dropped to a few hundred thousand. However, measles has not been eradicated, and the World Health Organization (WHO) attributes this persistence largely to individuals, especially children, not receiving vaccinations: "Outbreaks occur where children are unvaccinated."

With no specific treatment for this highly contagious and potentially deadly disease, prevention through vaccination is considered the most effective means to curb its spread. Unfortunately, efforts towards this were hindered by the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a surge in cases, reported Hindustan Times.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that approximately 61 million doses of the measles vaccine were postponed or missed in the first two years of the pandemic. This aligns with WHO data, indicating an estimated 128,000 deaths from measles in 2021, with the majority being unvaccinated or inadequately vaccinated children under the age of 5 years.

What is measles and who is most at risk?

Measles, caused by a virus, can lead to pneumonia, diarrhoea, deafness, blindness, brain damage, and, in the worst cases, death. It is often grouped with rubella and mumps due to the similarity in the illnesses they cause.

A vaccine is available for children, offering protection against all three viral infections simultaneously. While anyone can contract measles, children face the highest risk.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), refugees are particularly susceptible to measles. For instance, in the Gaza Strip within the Palestinian Territory, the spread of measles and other preventable diseases like polio has raised concerns, as highlighted by the UN's International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF), as reported by Hindustan Times.

Routine vaccinations for nearly 19,000 children in Gaza, residing among "1.9 million internally displaced people" (refugees), have been missed since October 2023 due to the ongoing conflicts in the region.

Measles outbreaks: Where is it spreading now?

In a joint report published in November 2023, it was stated by the WHO and CDC that deaths attributed to measles had experienced a 40% increase that year. The rise was described by John Vertefeuille, the director of the CDC's Global Immunization Division, as "staggering, but unfortunately, not unexpected given the declining vaccination rates we've seen in the past few years."

The spread of measles in 2023 resulted in epidemics in 37 countries, causing illness in 9 million children. The disease claimed the lives of 136,000 people, predominantly in poorer countries, according to statements from the WHO and CDC.

They are urging health systems to intensify vaccination efforts, including in wealthier regions such as the US and Europe. In Europe, measles cases surged to over 42,000 in 2023, a 45-fold increase compared to the previous year, as per HT reports.

How do you get infected with measles?

As is common with many other viral infections, a primary mode of "transmission" is through coughs and sneezes - "droplets". Additionally, in poorly ventilated rooms, the virus remains active and contagious in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours.

According to the WHO, the virus has the potential to spread from one infected person to up to nine out of 10 unvaccinated individuals with whom the infected person has close contact.

Those who are vaccinated enjoy protection from the virus. Symptoms, resembling those of a common cold such as high fever, cough, and runny nose, are notably characterized by the development of a rash all over the body, as per media reports.

Regarding prevention, the measles vaccine can be administered alone but is frequently combined with vaccines for mumps, rubella, and/or varicella (chickenpox) - commonly known as the "MMR" jab. The WHO recommends that children receive two doses of the vaccine to ensure immunity - two shots, regardless of whether it is a measles-only vaccine or the combined MMR jab.

How is measles treated in patients?

Measles lacks a specific treatment. Health experts recommend patients rest, stay well-hydrated, particularly if facing symptoms like diarrhoea or vomiting, and consider painkillers if necessary. In certain cases, doctors may prescribe antibiotics to address associated conditions such as pneumonia, ear, and eye infections.

However, it's crucial to note that antibiotics, designed to combat bacterial infections, are ineffective against measles, which is a viral infection. The misuse of antibiotics contributes to the rising challenge of antimicrobial resistance, rendering these drugs ineffective. Therefore, the only course of action is to allow the virus to run its course.