Measles is a highly contagious disease that is caused by the measles virus. Characterized by symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, inflamed eyes, and a distinctive red rash, measles can spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. This disease poses a significant risk to infants who are too young to be vaccinated or have not received the full course of the vaccine. The World Health Organization (WHO) has provided data indicating that vaccination efforts against measles have been significantly delayed worldwide due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These delays are particularly alarming given the recent surge in measles cases among unvaccinated populations.
Overview of Measles
Measles is an infectious viral disease that can have serious health consequences, especially for young children. The measles virus is so contagious that if one person has it, up to 90% of the people close to that person who are not immune will also become infected. The virus lives in the nose and throat of an infected person and can survive for up to two hours in an airspace where the infected person coughed or sneezed.
Impact on Infants
Infants are among the most vulnerable groups when it comes to measles. They typically cannot receive the measles vaccine until they are at least 12 months old. Before this age, they rely on herd immunity—the protection offered when a large portion of a community is immunized against a contagious disease—to prevent exposure to the virus. However, with disruptions in vaccination schedules, the protective blanket of herd immunity can weaken, leaving infants at greater risk.
Global Vaccination Delays
The WHO’s latest data points to significant interruptions in vaccination campaigns globally due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Health systems around the world have been strained by the demands of responding to the coronavirus, leading to postponed or canceled vaccination drives. This situation is critical as it opens the door for measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases to spread unchecked.
Recent Measles Outbreaks
In recent years, there have been substantial outbreaks of measles among populations that have not been vaccinated. These outbreaks are a direct consequence of gaps in vaccination coverage. Factors contributing to these gaps include vaccine hesitancy, misinformation about vaccines, and access issues. The outbreaks highlight the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to prevent the disease from taking hold and spreading within communities.
Measles-Related Deaths
The consequences of measles outbreaks can be severe. In 2019, over 207,000 people died from measles-related complications, which is the highest death toll from the disease in more than two decades. Measles can lead to life-threatening complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis (swelling of the brain), and a decrease in the body’s ability to fight off other infections.
Importance of Vaccination
Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles. The measles vaccine is safe, effective, and part of routine childhood immunization programs worldwide. It is typically administered in two doses, with the first dose given at 12-15 months of age and the second dose at 4-6 years of age. Ensuring that children receive their vaccines on time is crucial for building immunity and preventing outbreaks.
Efforts to Combat Measles Amid Pandemic
In response to the delays in vaccination caused by the pandemic, health organizations and governments are making concerted efforts to resume and reinforce immunization programs. Catch-up campaigns are being organized to vaccinate those who missed their scheduled doses. Additionally, measures are being taken to ensure the safety of health workers and the public during vaccination activities.
Measles remains a global health challenge, particularly in light of the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The resurgence of the disease in unvaccinated populations underscores the vital importance of maintaining and strengthening vaccination programs to protect public health.
