Global number of Measles cases rose by 20% in 2023.

The number of Measles cases recorded worldwide rose by 20% in 2023 (compared to 2022), with 10.3 million cases recorded globally, according so a joint press release issued by the World Health Organization and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The main driver of this rise in cases is thought to be inadequate immunization coverage.

Two doses of Measles vaccine is sufficient to protect against infection with the disease, but 17% of children who should have received their first dose of the vaccine in 2023 are thought not to have done so (more than 22 million children), while 26% of children who should have received a second dose in 2023 did not do so. A vaccine coverage rate of 95% or higher for both vaccine doses is thought to be needed to prevent Measles spreading within a population.

Fifty seven countries are thought to have suffered Measles outbreaks due to gaps in vaccination coverage, a 60% rise on the 36 countries which suffered such outbreaks in 2022. The World Health Organization's African, Eastern Mediterranean, European, South-East Asia and Western Pacific regions were affected, with over half of outbreaks occurring in the African Region. Only the Americas Region was not affected by a Measles outbreak in 2023.

A doctor examines a girl with measles at the Republican Infectious Diseases Clinical Hospital, Bishkek city, Kyrgyzstan. Danil Usmanov/World Health Organization.

'Measles vaccine has saved more lives than any other vaccine in the past 50 years,' according to Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director General of the World Health Organization. 'To save even more lives and stop this deadly virus from harming the most vulnerable, we must invest in immunization for every person, no matter where they live.'

Measles is a human disease caused by a Virus in the Paramyxovirus family. The Virus infects the respiratory tract, then spreads throughout the body. It can lead to major epidemics with significant morbidity and mortality, especially among vulnerable people. Among young and malnourished children, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals, including those with HIV, cancer or treated with immunosuppressives.

Thin-section transmission electron micrograph revealing the ultrastructural appearance of a single Viron, of the Measles Virus. The measles Virus is a Paramyxovirus, of the genus Morbillivirus. It is 100-200 nm in diameter, with a core of single-stranded RNA, and is closely related to the Rinderpest and Canine Distemper Viruses. Two membrane envelope proteins are important in pathogenesis. They are the F (fusion) protein, which is responsible for fusion of virus and host cell membranes, viral penetration, and hemolysis, and the H (hemagglutinin) protein, which is responsible for adsorption of virus to cells. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/Wikimedia Commons.

It is estimated that 107 500 people died of Measles in 2023, most of them children below the age of five. This is an eight 8% drop in fatalities compared to 2022. The reason for this lower fatality rate in 2023, despite a higher infection rate, is thought to be that more cases of Measles were reported in 2023 in countries with generally better healthcare and childhood nutrition rates, where infected children are less likely to die. However, this is not all good news, as even where Measles is not fatal, it can cause a number of severe health problems, including blindness, pneumonia, and encephalitis (swelling of the brain, often leading to brain damage).

Measles is one of twenty life-threatening diseases which it was hoped could be eliminated through vaccination campaigns by 2030 under the remit of the Immunization Agenda 2030 program. In the first week of November 2024, Brazil was declared to be Measles-free, meaning that the disease had been eliminated in the Americas Region, and at least one nation in each of the other regions, with the exception of Africa, also having Measles-free status. However, the decline in vaccine-uptake, and the subsequent rise in Measles cases around the world, means that this project is now threatened.

The African and Eastern Mediterranean regions are thought to be in particular need of urgent and targeted interventions to ensure vaccine availability and uptake, particularly in conflict-affected and other vulnerable settings. Greater surveillance for cases is also needed in all regions, in order to facilitate prompt responses to outbreaks when they occur.

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Significant rise in the number of Measles cases in Ethiopia.

Measles is endemic in Ethiopia, with cases reported every year.  Between 12 August 2021 and 1 May 2023, 16 814 laboratory-confirmed Measles cases and 182 deaths, a Case Fatality Ratio of 1.1%, have been reported nationally. From 2021, the annual number of confirmed measles cases has increased significantly, from 1953 in 2021 to 9291 in 2022 and 6933 in 2023 as of 1 May, according to a press release issued by the World Health Organization on 4 May 2023. Thus, there was, an almost five-fold increase in confirmed measles cases between 2021 and 2022. Low population immunity, combined with concurrent epidemics, conflict, forced displacement, and other humanitarian crises that disrupt childhood vaccinations, are some factors that may explain the increases.

Total number of measles cases reported by week of onset of symptoms in Ethiopia. 12 August 2021 – 1 May 2023. World Health Organization.

Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by Measles Virus and it is normally passed through direct contact and through the air. The Viirus infects the respiratory tract, then spreads throughout the body. It can lead to major epidemics with significant illness and death, especially among vulnerable people, such as young children. In 2022, 45% of all cases were children under 5 years of age.

There is no specific antiviral treatment for Measles, but an effective and safe vaccine is available for prevention and control. A 95% population vaccination coverage is required to stop Measles circulation.

Since 12 August 2021, all 13 Regional Health Bureaus in Ethiopia have received reports of suspected Measles cases in either host communities, displaced populations, or refugees. Since then, and as of 1 May 2023, 16 814 laboratory-confirmed measles cases and 182 deaths, with a Case Fatality Ratio of 1.1% have been reported nationally.

There are active Measles outbreaks reported in 44 woredas/districts from eight regions: Afar, Amhara, Harari, Oromia, Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Region, South West Ethiopia Peoples’ Region, Tigray and Somali. The number of Measles-affected woredas was 52 (5% of the country’s 1080 woredas) in 2021 and 125 (12%) in 2022.

Woredas reporting active measles outbreaks in Ethiopia from 12 August 2021 to 30 April 2023. World Health Organization.

Between 1 January to 2 April 2023, the Somali region reported 56 laboratory-confirmed and 364 epidemiologically linked Measles cases. In 2022, the nationwide Measles incidence rate was 82 cases per one million population. The highest reported rates were in the Somali region, which reported 540 cases per one million population. The lack of reporting associated with the crisis in Northern Ethiopia (Tigray) hampers an adequate assessment of the Measles situation.

Amongst the confirmed Measles cases, only 36% have received one dose or more of the measles-containing vaccine. According to World Health Organization and UNICEF Estimates of National Immunization Coverage low population immunity (Measles-containing vaccine first dose and Measles-containing vaccine second dose coverage in 2021 was estimated at 54% and 46% respectively), combined with concurrent epidemics, conflict, forced displacement, and other humanitarian crises that disrupt childhood vaccinations, are some of the risk factors identified for the increased spread of the disease. Furthermore, cultural beliefs, insufficient awareness, and behavioral characteristics can be a barrier to seeking early treatment and making use of other management strategies for disease management.

Ethiopia faces various challenges that could exacerbate the situation further, including high rates of malnutrition (nutritional screening during Measles supplemental immunization activity showed that 0.6% of children had severe acute malnutrition 4.7% had global acute malnutrition based on over 15 000 children screened) and, a lack of access to health care in conflict-affected areas increasing the risk of severe disease, displacement and crowded conditions poor hygiene and sanitation access and practices increasing the risk of interpersonal spread. According to the latest predictions by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development Climate Prediction and Applications Centre and National Meteorological and Hydrological Services, certain regions affected by drought, such as Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Region, Oromia, Somali, Afar, and South West Ethiopia Peoples’ Region, have also reported floods, and around 1.7 million people are at risk of flooding, according to preparedness plans, further risking displacement, disruption of vaccination, and a risk of having people move to crowded settlements increasing the risk of Measles circulation.

Measles is caused by a Virus in the Paramyxovirus family. The Virus infects the respiratory tract, then spreads throughout the body. Measles is a human disease and is not known to occur in Animals. It can lead to major epidemics with significant morbidity and mortality, especially among vulnerable people. Among young and malnourished children, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals, including those with HIV, cancer or treated with immunosuppressives, Measles can cause serious complications, including ear infection, severe diarrhoea, blindness, encephalitis, pneumonia, and death.

Transmission is primarily person-to-person by airborne respiratory droplets that disperse rapidly when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Transmission can also occur through direct contact with infected secretions. Transmission from asymptomatic exposed immune persons has not been demonstrated. The Virus remains active and contagious in the air or on infected surfaces for up to two hours. A patient is infectious from four days before the start of the characteristic morbilliform rash, to four or five days after its appearance. There is no specific antiviral treatment for Measles; most people recover within 2-3 weeks.

An effective and safe vaccine is available for prevention and control. The Measles-containing vaccine’s first dose is given at nine months, while the second dose of the Measles-containing second dose is given at the age of 15 months. A 95% population coverage of both doses is required to stop Measles circulation.

In areas with low vaccination coverage, epidemics typically occur every two to three years and usually last between two and three months. However, their duration varies according to population size, crowding, and the population’s immunity status.

Nationwide measles-preventive supplemental immunization activities have been conducted in Ethiopia from 22-31 December 2022, in all areas except those affected by conflict (all woredas in Tigray, 12 districts in Oromia, and seven in Benishangul Gumuz). A total of 14 579 818 under 5 children were vaccinated out of a target of 15 471 740 resulting in 94.2% coverage. Starting in February 2022, a catch-up Measles vaccination campaign was launched, targeting children aged 9 to 23 months. This campaign was conducted in 55 woredas that are high-risk or have been affected by conflict in the Amhara, Oromia, Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Region, and Somali Regions. The campaign was integrated with vitamin A supplementation and other routine immunization efforts.

There are several challenges that Ethiopia is facing in its efforts to increase national childhood vaccination coverage: conflict, population movement, and an insufficient stock of vaccines at the national level. These challenges are expected to fuel outbreaks and increase the number of cases.

The overall risk at the national level in Ethiopia is assessed as high due to the following factors: (1) Active outbreaks as of 1 May 2023 in 44 woredas in 8 out of 13 regions:  Afar, Amhara, Harari Oromia, Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Region, South West Ethiopia Peoples’ Region, Tigray, and Somali; (2) sub-optimal immunization coverage and low population immunity; (3) weak surveillance systems result in late detection of cases and inadequate outbreak investigations, especially at the community level. Furthermore, active surveillance is inconsistently implemented, likely resulting in under-reporting of cases and deaths; (4) poor health awareness in the affected community, resulting in inadequate health promotion and poor healthcare-seeking behavior; (5) inadequate case management skills in handling complicated cases, further exacerbated by referral challenges associated with lack of transportation especially for patients from remote areas; (6) concurrent disease outbreaks (for example, Cholera, Pertussis, Poliovirus) have limited the overall capacity and resources to respond to measles transmission; (7) concurrent complex humanitarian situations from widespread conflict, displacement, and severe and prolonged drought; (8) ifficulty accessing and delivering supplies due to the poor road network and insecurity in western parts of Oromia, Benishangul Gumuz, Tigray, Afar, and Amhara; and (9) the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the health system.

The World Health Organization recommends that Ethiopia implements key public health strategies to reduce disease burden and transmission include routine vaccination of children against measles, combined with periodic intensification of routine immunization activities and mass immunization campaigns in countries with high morbidity and mortality rates.

There is no specific treatment for Measles. Case management of Measles focuses on supportive care as well as the prevention and treatment of measles complications and secondary infections. Since Measles is highly contagious, patient isolation is important to prevent the further spread of the Virus.

Oral rehydration salts should be used as needed to prevent dehydration. All children diagnosed with Measles should receive two doses of vitamin A oral supplements, given 24 hours apart, irrespective of the timing of previous doses of vitamin A; 50 000 international units should be given to infants aged under 6 months, 100 000 international units to infants aged 6-11 months and 200 000 international units to children aged 12 months. This treatment restores low vitamin A levels in acute Measles cases that occur even in well-nourished children and can help prevent eye damage and blindness. Vitamin A supplements have also been shown to reduce the number of Measles deaths.

Nutritional support is recommended to reduce the risk of malnutrition due to diarrhoea, vomiting and poor appetite associated with Measles. Breastfeeding should be encouraged where appropriate.

In unimmunized or insufficiently immunized individuals, the Measles vaccine may be administered within 72 hours of exposure to the Measles Virus to protect against disease. If the disease does subsequently develop, symptoms are usually less severe, and the duration of illness may be shortened.

The World Health Organization does not recommend any restrictions on travel or trade to or from Ethiopia.

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Sharp rise in Measles cases in Indonesia.

Since 2022, Indonesia has recorded an increase in suspected and confirmed measles cases compared to previous years, according to a press release issued by the World Health Organization on 28 April 2023. Between 1 January and 3 April 2023, a total of 2161 suspected measles cases (848 laboratory-confirmed cases and 1313 clinically compatible suspected cases) have been reported across 18 of 38 provinces in Indonesia, primarily from the provinces of West Java (796 cases), Central Papua (770 cases), and Banten (197 cases). 

Measles is endemic in Indonesia and is reported every year. However, in 2022 and 2023, there has been a significant increase in the number of confirmed cases, as compared to those reported annually since 2018: there were 920 reported cases in 2018, 639 in 2019, 310 in 2020, and 132 in 2021.

The current outbreak is characterized by suboptimal population immunity, including children without measles vaccination. Supplemental immunization activity was conducted in 2022, targeting children under 15 years old in high-risk provinces (Aceh, North Sumatra, Riau, Riau Islands, and West Sumatra), 9 – 59 months old in provinces in Java-Bali, and 9 months to 12 years old in the remaining provinces, with efforts to strengthen routine immunization and catch-up activities ongoing to address the population immunity gaps.

In 2022, a total of 4845 laboratory-confirmed Measles cases and six deaths (a case fatality ratio of 0.1%) were reported across 32 of the 38 provinces. The provinces mainly affected were Aceh (978 cases), West Sumatra (859 cases), Riau (500 cases), and East Java (459 cases). Annual trend analysis shows the number of cases reported annually in 2022 and currently in 2023 is higher than usual: there were 920 cases in 2018, 639 cases in 2019, 310 cases in 2020, and 132 cases in 2021.

Number of Measles cases reported by month of onset of symptoms and confirmation category. Indonesia. January 2019–March 2023. World Health Organization.

In 2022, among the 4845 confirmed Measles cases with available age information, 93% (4502) were between 1 and 14 years old. However, a few cases have also been observed in the older age group, with at least 41 cases reported among people over 40. Among the confirmed cases, 67% had not received any dose of Measles-containing vaccine, 6% had received one dose, 7% had received both doses, and vaccination history was unknown for 21 % (991) of confirmed cases.

In 2023, among the 2076 confirmed cases with available age information, 95% (1978) were between 1 and 14 years of age. Of these confirmed cases, 75% had not received any dose of Measles-containing vaccine, while 11% had received one dose, 10% had received both doses, and vaccination history was unknown for 3%. Among these 2076 cases, 100% (212) of those younger than 9 months old, 87% (47) 9-12 months, and 66% (1303) of those aged 1-14 years had not received any dose of Measles-containing vaccine.

Percentage of vaccination coverage among confirmed measles cases by age group, 1 January to 3 April 2023. Indonesia. World Health Organization.

The current outbreak is mainly characterized by suboptimal population immunity, as evidenced by the increased gap in immunity. According to the World Health Organization/UNICEF Joint Reporting Form, the vaccination coverage in Indonesia in 2020 was 87% for Measles-containing-vaccine first-dose and only 65% for Measles-containing-vaccine second dose. In 2021, national coverage of Measles-containing-vaccine first-dose was 87%, and Measles-containing-vaccine second dose was 59%, with variation in administrative vaccination coverage at the sub-national level; these data indicate a very high number of children are susceptible to Measles infection.

Measles is a human disease caused by a Virus in the Paramyxovirus family. The Virus infects the respiratory tract, then spreads throughout the body. It can lead to major epidemics with significant morbidity and mortality, especially among vulnerable people. Among young and malnourished children, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals, including those with HIV, cancer or treated with immunosuppressives, Measles can cause serious complications, including severe diarrhea, blindness, encephalitis, pneumonia, and death.

Thin-section transmission electron micrograph revealing the ultrastructural appearance of a single Viron, of the Measles Virus. The measles Virus is a Paramyxovirus, of the genus Morbillivirus. It is 100-200 nm in diameter, with a core of single-stranded RNA, and is closely related to the Rinderpest and Canine Distemper Viruses. Two membrane envelope proteins are important in pathogenesis. They are the F (fusion) protein, which is responsible for fusion of virus and host cell membranes, viral penetration, and hemolysis, and the H (hemagglutinin) protein, which is responsible for adsorption of virus to cells. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/Wikimedia Commons.

Transmission is primarily person-to-person by airborne respiratory droplets that disperse rapidly when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Transmission can also occur through direct contact with infected secretions. Transmission from asymptomatic exposed immune persons has not been demonstrated. The Virus remains contagious in the air or on contaminated surfaces for up to two hours. A patient is infectious from four days before the start of the rash to four days after its appearance. There is no specific antiviral treatment for Measles, but most people recover within 2-3 weeks.

An effective and safe vaccine is available for prevention and control. The Measles-containing-vaccine first-dose is given at the age of nine months, while the Measles-containing-vaccine second dose is given at the age of 15 months. A 95% population coverage of Measles-containing-vaccine first-dose and Measles-containing-vaccine second dose is required to stop measles circulation.

In areas with low vaccination coverage, epidemics typically occur every two to three years and usually last between two and three months. However, their duration varies according to population size, crowding, and the population’s immunity status.

Several measles outbreaks have been reported in Indonesia between 2011 to 2023. One of the biggest outbreaks occurred in East Java province in 2016 where 3765 cases were reported, associated with low vaccination coverage levels.

Indonesia conducted supplemental immunization activity in 2022, targeting children under 15 years old for high-risk provinces (Aceh, North Sumatra, Riau, Riau Islands and West Sumatra), 9-59 months old for provinces in Java-Bali, and 9 months to 12 years old for the remaining provinces. Active case search and line listing of fever and rash cases is ongoing. Vitamin A is given to those identified with fever and rash during case investigation. Human resources have been deployed to the affected provinces to improve surveillance, particularly at the community level. Efforts are underway to procure reagents needed for laboratory testing enzyme-link immunosorbent assay. Promotion of routine immunization and catch-up activities is taking place via a multisectoral collaboration between the government, the community and partners, including the capacity building of immunization staff, strengthening the routine immunization information system and conducting a routine desk review to evaluate vaccination coverage. Coordination is taking place with the Indonesian Pediatric Society to disseminate the updated clinical management guidelines to health care workers. Capacity building on clinical management in the form of online training was conducted in 2022 in collaboration with the Indonesian Pediatric Society. Job aids have been developed to improve routine immunization coverage.

While Measles is endemic in Indonesia and is reported yearly, the magnitude and extent of this outbreak is high compared to previous years. Based on the current data and available information, the World Health Organization assess the overall risk of Measles at the national level as high for the following reasons: (1) Likely under-detection and under-reporting of Measles cases due to non-availability of laboratory reagents for confirmation of cases. The number of suspect measles cases reported in the Early Warning Alert and Response System has continued to increase since week 1 in 2023. An increase in hospitalization of suspect Measles cases is observed in some provinces, including Papua Province. (2) Low Measles-containing-vaccine coverage in most provinces, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2021); 28% of the birth cohort in 2021 have not received any Measles vaccination and are thus at high risk for Measles infection. Also, 22% of the children have been only partially vaccinated. (3) Low Measles-containing vaccine supplemental immunization activities coverage in 2022, especially in high-risk provinces. There is vaccine hesitancy in the high-risk provinces, and limited capacity for outbreak response immunization, which is also impacted due to vaccine hesitancy. (4) Low surveillance sensitivity in 2020-2021. As surveillance improved in 2022, more cases were reported from the subnational level. The overall surveillance sensitivity of Measles and Rubella i.e., the non-Measles non-Rubella discard rate, was 3.33 per 100 000 population compared to the global standard of 2.0 or higher per 100 000 population. However, only 33% (170) districts achieved at least 2 non-Measles non-Rubella discarded rate. In 2023, non-Measles non-Rubella discard rate to date is at 0.46. (5) The B3 Measles genotype has been detected in West Kalimantan and East Java, which is not originally endemic to Indonesia.

Measles is preventable by vaccination, which provides lifelong immunity in most recipients. In countries with low vaccination coverage, epidemics may occur every two to three years. However, their duration varies according to population size, crowding, and the population's immunity status.

The measles vaccine has been in use for nearly 60 years. It is safe, effective, and inexpensive. Vaccination is recommended for all susceptible children and adults for whom the vaccine is not contraindicated. National immunization programs must ensure the safe provision of immunization services that can reach all children with two doses of the Measles vaccine. Routine Measles vaccination for children and mass immunization campaigns in countries with high case and death rates are key public health strategies to reduce global Measles deaths.

The World Health Organization recommends maintaining sustained homogeneous coverage of at least 95% with the first and second doses of the Measles vaccine and strengthening integrated epidemiological surveillance of measles and rubella to achieve timely detection of all suspected cases in public, private, and social security healthcare facilities. The World Health Organization continues to strengthen the global laboratory network to ensure timely diagnosis of Measles and track the international spread of the Measles Viruses to allow a more coordinated country approach in targeting vaccination activities and reducing deaths from this vaccine-preventable disease.

It is critical to quickly recognize and treat Measles complications to reduce the disease’s severity and mortality. Severe complications from measles can be reduced through supportive care that ensures good nutrition, adequate fluid intake, and treatment of dehydration with World Health Organization-recommended oral rehydration solution. This solution replaces fluids and other essential elements lost through diarrhoea or vomiting. Antibiotics should be prescribed to treat eye and ear infections and pneumonia.

While there is no specific antiviral treatment for Measles, prompt vitamin A in therapeutic doses is recommended to reduce complications and mortality among children infected with measles. Two doses of vitamin A oral supplements should be given 24 hours apart, irrespective of the timing of previous doses of vitamin A: 50 000 IU should be given to infants aged under 6 months, 100 000 IU to infants aged 6-11 months, and 200 000 IU to children aged 12-59 months. This treatment restores low vitamin A levels in acute measles cases that occur even in well-nourished children and can help prevent eye damage and blindness. Vitamin A supplements have also been shown to reduce the number of Measles deaths.

The World Health Organization does not recommend any restrictions on travel or trade to or from Indonesia based on the current information.

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Outbreak of Measles in Samoa has now killed 22 people.

A total of 22 people have died in Samoa in an out break of Measles, most of them children, with 1979 cases of the disease reported this year (2019), 153 cases and two fatalities reported since Friday 22 November. The high mortality rate is thought to have largely been driven by a poor inoculation rate, with a vaccination rate against the disease estimated to be as low as 28-40% by Unicef, an organisation which has sent 110 500 doses of vaccine to the country. The government of Samoa has now made vaccination against Measles compulsory, as well as closing schools and banning children under 17 from attending any public gathering. The country's Attorney General, Lemalu Hermann Retzlaff, has also warned people against discouraging vaccinations in any way, with press sources in the islands reporting unscrupulous businessmen peddling 'alternative' means of treating and preventing the disease. The nearby nations of Tonga and Fiji have declared states of emergency, although both countries have vaccination rates above 90% and are therefore thought to be at much lower risk from the disease. New Zealand has sent trained nurses, medicines and equipment to the islands.

Families queueing for vaccination outside a government health clinic in Apia, Samoa. AP.

Measles is a Viral Disease, that presents as a fever combined with a cough and inflamed eyes, followed by the development of a rash first in the mouth and then across the body. About 30% of cases go on to develop complications, which can include diarrhoea, blindness, inflammation of the brain and pneumonia, and the disease can be fatal. Measles is a highly infectious airborne disease spread by coughing, with un-immunised people living in close proximity to infected persons having an approximately 90% chance of catching the Virus. The disease is easily prevented by vaccination, but hard to treat once people are infected, with small children, who are least likely to have been immunised, particularly vulnerable. This makes it particularly important for health workers to be alert for new cases once the disease becomes established in an area, and ensure that all potential cases are screened for the Virus promptly.

Thin-section transmission electron micrograph of a Measles Virus. Cynthia Goldsmith/William Bellini/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Public Health Image Library/Wikimedia Commons.

Measles is caused by a single-strand RNA Virus belonging to the genus Morbillivirus, which also includes the Viruses that cause Canine Distemper and Rinderpest, as well as a variety of other diseases infecting domestic and wild Mammals. The genius Morbillivirus is in turn a member of the Paramyxoviridae, a group of Viruses that infect a wide range of Mammals, Birds, Reptiles and Fish, and includes the Virus that causes Mumps in Humans.

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Measles outbreak kills over 4000 in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

More than 4000 people, most of them children under five, have died in an outbreak of Measles in the Democratic Republic of Congo that began in January this year (2019), according to UNICEF. Around 200 000 cases of the disease have been reported, 140 000 of them children under five. The epidemic has been able to take hold due to a low rate of immunisation in the country, which lacks a well organised healthcare system and where vaccinations are widely viewed with suspicion, and the rate of mortality among those infected has been high, again due to poor access to healthcare. The UN agency is currently distributing healthcare kits to help look after those infected, as well as working with the Congolese Government to vaccinate children across the country.

An infant receiving a vaccination against Measles at the Centre De Sante Le Rocher Maternity in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo. UNICEF.

Measles is a Viral Disease, that presents as a fever combined with a cough and inflamed eyes, followed by the development of a rash first in the mouth and then across the body. About 30% of cases go on to develop complications, which can include diarrhoea, blindness, inflammation of the brain and pneumonia, and the disease can be fatal. Measles is a highly infectious airborne disease spread by coughing, with un-immunised people living in close proximity to infected persons having an approximately 90% chance of catching the Virus. The disease is easily prevented by vaccination, but hard to treat once people are infected, with small children, who are least likely to have been immunised, particularly vulnerable. This makes it particularly important for health workers to be alert for new cases once the disease becomes established in an area, and ensure that all potential cases are screened for the Virus promptly.

 Thin-section transmission electron micrograph of a Measles Virus. Cynthia Goldsmith/William Bellini/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Public Health Image Library/Wikimedia Commons.

Measles is caused by a single-strand RNA Virus belonging to the genus Morbillivirus, which also includes the Viruses that cause Canine Distemper and Rinderpest, as well as a variety of other diseases infecting domestic and wild Mammals. The genius Morbillivirus is in turn a member of the Paramyxoviridae, a group of Viruses that infect a wide range of Mammals, Birds, Reptiles and Fish, and includes the Virus that causes Mumps in Humans.

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Number of Measles cases reported in New Zealand passes 1000 this year.

The number of Measles cases reported in New Zealand since 1 January 2019 has passes 1000, with the number of reported cases standing at 1051 on 5 September, with 877 of those reports coming from the city of Auckland. The New Zealand Health Ministry is calling on all unvaccinated citizens and visitors to the country between the ages of 1 and 50 to get vaccinated, to prevent the spread of the disease. Measles was eradicated in New Zealand in 2016, but has since returned, and there are concerns that the disease may spread from there to smaller Pacific island nations, where populations may be more vulnerable to the disease. This in turn is thought to be related to a fall off in people being vaccinated against the disease, apparently having been put off by hoax stories circulating on the Internet, which falsely claim vaccinations cause autism and other problems, combined with the appearance of anti-vaccine 'campaigners' who run courses promoting non-vaccination (which they charge people to attend), claiming it is a parental right. Measles has also returned to a number of other countries where it was previously eradicated, including the UK, the Czech Republic, Albania, and Greece.

1-year-old, Milan Paese of Aukland, New Zealand, receiving hospital treatment for Measles, with his mother, Deyna Key, who has issued a plea for other parents to get their children vaccinated. Deyna Key/Stuff.

Measles is a Viral Disease, that presents as a fever combined with a cough and inflamed eyes, followed by the development of a rash first in the mouth and then across the body. About 30% of cases go on to develop complications, which can include diarrhoea, blindness, inflammation of the brain and pneumonia, and the disease can be fatal. Measles is a highly infectious airborne disease spread by coughing, with un-immunised people living in close proximity to infected persons having an approximately 90% chance of catching the Virus. The disease is easily prevented by vaccination, but hard to treat once people are infected, with small children, who are least likely to have been immunised, particularly vulnerable. This makes it particularly important for health workers to be alert for new cases once the disease becomes established in an area, and ensure that all potential cases are screened for the Virus promptly.

Thin-section transmission electron micrograph of a Measles Virus. Cynthia Goldsmith/William Bellini/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Public Health Image Library/Wikimedia Commons.

Measles is caused by a single-strand RNA Virus belonging to the genus Morbillivirus, which also includes the Viruses that cause Canine Distemper and Rinderpest, as well as a variety of other diseases infecting domestic and wild Mammals. The genius Morbillivirus is in turn a member of the Paramyxoviridae, a group of Viruses that infect a wide range of Mammals, Birds, Reptiles and Fish, and includes the Virus that causes Mumps in Humans.

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