Why in news?
Several developed countries reported measles outbreaks in mid‑2025, despite having eliminated the disease years earlier. The resurgence was linked to declining vaccination coverage and international travel. Public health authorities sounded the alarm and urged parents to vaccinate their children.
Understanding measles
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads through tiny droplets when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. Its symptoms include fever, cough, conjunctivitis and a blotchy red rash that spreads from the face down the body. Complications can include pneumonia, encephalitis (brain swelling) and death, especially in young children and the malnourished.
Prevention and challenges
- Vaccination: The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine provides long‑term protection. Two doses given in infancy achieve around 97% efficacy.
- Herd immunity: To stop outbreaks a community needs around 95% of people to be immunised. When coverage falls the virus can spread quickly through clusters of unvaccinated individuals.
- Global travel: Infected travellers can import the virus into countries with low immunity. From there it can spread to pockets of unvaccinated people.
- Vaccine hesitancy: Misinformation about vaccine safety has led some parents to delay or refuse vaccination. Public health campaigns must counter myths with accurate information.
Key messages
Measles is preventable, but its virus is unforgiving. Governments must ensure routine immunisation programmes reach every child, especially in rural areas. Parents should trust the science and get their children vaccinated on time. International travel advisories should include vaccination requirements. By maintaining high coverage we can once again eliminate measles and protect our communities.