Measles and rubella
Measles is a highly infectious virus and globally one of the leading causes of childhood mortality. It is transmitted person-to-person via droplets when infected people sneeze or cough. Initial symptoms usually occur 10–12 days after infection and comprise high fever, runny nose, bloodshot eyes and tiny white spots on the inside of the mouth. Several days later, a rash develops on the face and neck, and will gradually spread downwards. The most severe complications of measles include blindness, encephalitis (an infection that causes brain swelling), severe diarrhea, and pneumonia, among others. Worldwide, an estimated 140,000 people died from measles in 2018.
Rubella is usually mild when experienced in childhood and adolescence, but it can often lead to serious and even fatal complications for the foetus when an unprotected woman is infected in her early pregnancy. An infection during pregnancy can result in miscarriage or congenital defects in the unborn child, including hearing deficiency, eye and heart defects and other lifelong disabilities, such as autism, diabetes mellitus and thyroid dysfunction. Rubella is transmitted in airborne droplets from the nose, mouth or throat of infected people.
