Measles in India The respiratory disease measles remains a
leading cause of death among young children, despite the fact
that a safe and effective vaccine has been available for 40
years. Measles is an acute illness caused by a virus of the
paramyxovirus family. It is one of the most contagious diseases
and many children who do not have sufficient immunity contract
measles if exposed. During the first few weeks after contracting
measles, a child’s immune system becomes weakened, and a normal
cold or diarrhoea can become a life threatening illness.
Globally, an estimated 450 people, mostly children, die every
day from measles despite the fact that an effective and safe
vaccine is available at low cost. The global reduction in death
from measles reflects support and commitment by the Measles
Initiative to boosting immunization coverage and by national
governments to following the World Health Organization (WHO ) /
UNICEF comprehensive strategy for reducing measles mortality.
This strategy consists of four key c