Measles

The last few years has shown the resurgence of measles, a disease believed to have been eliminated. Measles is an extremely contagious viral infection that has been on the rise in many parts of the world bringing significant public health challenges along with it. Despite a readily available, safe and effective vaccine, outbreaks continue to occur thus emphasizing the necessity of understanding this preventable ailment and its triggers for resurgence.

Understanding Measles:

Measles is caused by the Measles virus (MeV), it can be transmitted via respiratory droplets and cause severe complications especially among young children and immunocompromised individuals. It usually manifests as a high fever, coughing, running nose, and rashes usually appearing in characteristic patterns. Although most people get better within two weeks, there may be severe complications like pneumonia or even encephalitis leading to death.

Historical Context:

Before the development of the measles vaccine, the disease was a major cause of childhood morbidity and mortality globally. However, implementation of vaccination campaigns resulted into great progress towards its elimination.

Factors Contributing to Resurgence:

A number of factors have resulted in the return of measles despite the availability of vaccines. Vaccination hesitancy is one major factor driven by vaccine safety concerns and misinformation. Decreased vaccination rates in some areas are due to the influence of anti-vaccination propaganda on social media, creating small communities where measles can rapidly spread.

Moreover, gaps in vaccine coverage, both within and between countries, make populations susceptible to outbreaks. Moreover, this vulnerability is exacerbated by disruptions of routine immunization programs due to factors such as conflict, poverty and weak healthcare infrastructure. As an added factor, there is increased global travel that facilitates the spread of measles across borders making it difficult to contain outbreaks once they start.

Public Health Response:

The resurgence of measles can be addressed by a combination of methods including robust immunization programs, public health education and challenging misinformation. The control of measles spread starts with improving vaccination confidence as well as access to immunization services. Additionally, health authorities ought to enhance their surveillance systems for timely detection and response to outbreaks through contact tracing and quarantine where necessary.

The resurgence of measles reminds us about how important vaccination is for prevention of infectious diseases. While progress has been made in controlling it through vaccination, these efforts may be undermined by complacency and vaccine hesitancy. Prioritizing vaccination efforts, disseminating sound health information and dismantling systemic barriers to immunization will help ensure that children are protected from life threatening diseases caused by preventable viruses such as those responsible for causing the measles virus.

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