Measles and rubella in the South-East Asia

Measles

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease, which affects mostly children. It is transmitted via droplets from the nose, mouth or throat of infected persons. Initial symptoms, which usually appear 10–12 days after infection, include high fever, runny nose, bloodshot eyes, and tiny white spots on the inside of the mouth. Several days later, a rash develops, starting on the face and upper neck and gradually spreading downwards.

There is no specific treatment for measles and most people recover within 2–3 weeks. However, particularly in malnourished children and people with reduced immunity, measles can cause serious complications, including blindness, encephalitis, severe diarrhoea, ear infection and pneumonia.

Measles can be prevented by immunization. Measles vaccine consists of live, attenuated strains of measles virus and is available, either as monovalent measles vaccine or as measles-containing vaccine (MCV) in combination with rubella, mumps or varicella vaccines. WHO-SEAR has a measles elimination goal by 2023.

Rubella and Congenital Rubella Syndrome

Rubella is a contagious viral disease, which occurs most often in children. The virus is transmitted via the respiratory route, and symptoms usually appear 2–3 weeks after exposure. In children, the disease is usually mild, with low fever, nausea and a transient rash. Adults may develop arthritis and painful joints. Rubella occurs worldwide. In temperate areas, incidence is usually highest in late winter and early spring. In tropical countries, it is usually highest in the dry cool season.

Infection during early pregnancy may cause fetal death or congenital rubella syndrome, which is characterized by multiple defects, particularly to the brain, heart, eyes and ears. There is no specific treatment for rubella. The disease can be prevented by immunization.

Rubella vaccine is live attenuated vaccine and is available either as monovalent formulation or in combination with other vaccine viruses, as rubella containing vaccines (RCVs). Commonly used RCVs are combinations with vaccines against measles (MR), measles and mumps (MMR) or measles, mumps and varicella (MMRV). WHO-SEAR has a rubella elimination goal by 2023.