Working to Eliminate Measles Around the Globe

Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can cause serious health complications. About 1 in 4 people in the U.S. who get measles will be hospitalized and globally 1 or 2 out of 1,000 people with measles will die, even with the best care. Worldwide, an estimated 20 million people get measles and 146,000 people, mostly children, die from the disease each year. Yet measles can be prevented with a safe and effective vaccine.

Due to a highly effective vaccination program, measles was declared eliminated from the United States in 2000.  However, in the past 5 years, global progress towards measles elimination has slowed and in some regions gains have been lost.  Recent outbreaks show how easily measles can be brought into the U.S. and other parts of the Americas by unvaccinated travellers who contract the virus while in other regions of the world.  Progress can continue and measles elimination can be achieved, but it will require commitment from each country and support of efforts in all parts of the globe.

In this session of Grand Rounds we discussed the ways in which increased focus on field and laboratory surveillance, innovative vaccination solutions and investment of resources can accelerate progress towards the elimination of measles worldwide.