Measles

Measles is caused by a virus that infects the respiratory tract and then spreads throughout the body. Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, and a rash all over the body. The disease can cause severe complications and death.

Measles spreads easily when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes.

Measles can affect anyone but is most common in children and remains an important cause of death among young children globally. It is still common in many low-income countries, particularly in parts of Africa and Asia.

Vaccination is effective in preventing measles. The vaccine has prevented an estimated 59 million deaths between 2000–2024.

1. 1 WHO Health Topics. Measles.
2. 2 WHO Fact Sheet. Measles.
3. 3 WHO Disease Outbreak News. Measles - Morocco.
4. 4 WHO Disease Outbreak News. Measles – Region of the Americas.
5. 5 WHO Disease Outbreak News. Measles - United States of America.
6. 6 Wikidata. measles.

ICD-10

B05

ICD-11

KA61

Total cases

250K

Total deaths

162

Peak month

2010-05

Coverage

4 reporting countries · 2000-01-01 → 2019-11-09