Measles

• London is standing at risk of a major measles outbreak, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has warned recently.

About Measles

• It is a highly contagious viral disease and is a cause of death among young children globally.
• It is caused by a single-stranded, enveloped RNA virus with 1 serotype. It is classified as a member of the genus Morbillivirus in the Paramyxoviridae family.
• It is normally passed through direct contact and the air.
• The virus infects the respiratory tract, then spreads throughout the body, causing severe disease, complications and even death.
  • It can cause serious complications, including blindness, encephalitis, severe diarrhoea, ear infection and pneumonia.
• Unvaccinated young children and pregnant women are at highest risk of severe measles complications.
• No specific antiviral treatment exists for measles.
• Vaccine
  • MMR Vaccine gives protection against three diseases measles, mumps and rubella.
  • MMRV vaccine can prevent measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella.