Measles threat has intensified worldwide as the global cases have surged to an estimated 10.3 million last year, said the World Health Organization and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This has marked a worrying 20% rise from the previous year, a trend which could largely be linked to inadequate immunization coverage worldwide.

Measles is preventable with two doses of its vaccine, yet more than 22 million children missed their first dose last year. As per WHO, around the world, an estimated 83% of children received their first dose of measles vaccine last year, while only 74% received the recommended second dose.

This has raised risk of the diseases as coverage of 95% or greater of two doses of measles vaccine is required in each country and community to prevent outbreaks.

“Measles vaccine has saved more lives than any other vaccine in the past 50 years,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.

“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 can have a debilitating effect on children with weak immunity due to hunger or other underlying diseases, and they could be more susceptible to death from the disease. It is to be noted that upto 3 of every 1,000 children who become infected with the measles may die from respiratory and neurologic complications, according to the CDC.

Measles can affect anyone but is most common in children. It's highly contagious and its common symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny nose and a rash all over the body. Measles' severe complications include blindness, brain damage and pneumonia. The disease starts with very high fever, followed by tiny red rashes on face and behind ears which then spread to all over the body. Eyes and oral cavity may also become red. Unvaccinated and malnourished children are at high risk of developing life-threatening conditions from measles which could cause death or disability.

The measles vaccine is given alone or often combined with vaccines for mumps, rubella and/or varicella.
All children must be vaccinated against measles and should receive two doses of to ensure they are immune. The first dose is usually given at 9 months of age in countries where measles is common and 12–15 months in other countries. A second dose should be given at 15–18 months, as per WHO.

“The number of measles infections are rising around the globe, endangering lives and health,” CDC Director Mandy Cohen said. “The measles vaccine is our best protection against the virus, and we must continue to invest in efforts to increase access.”