Why in the news?
- Despite a highly effective vaccine, measles caused approximately 95,000 deaths globally in 2024.
- Cause: Measles is a highly contagious viral disease.
- Symptoms
- Dry Cough & Runny Nose
- Body Pains & Headache
- Sore Throat
- Watering & Swelling in Eyes
- Discomfort & Fatigue
- Loss of Appetite
- Diarrhea
- Light Sensitivity
- Inflammation in Lymph Nodes
- Koplik’s Spots (blue & red spots in the mouth)
- Transmission: Measles is transmitted via droplets from the nose, mouth or throat of infected persons.
- Prevention: Routine measles vaccination for children, combined with mass immunization campaigns in countries with low routine coverage, are key public health strategies to reduce global measles deaths.
- Efforts: Under the Global Vaccine Action Plan, measles and rubella are targeted for elimination in five WHO Regions.
Source: The Times of India