Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can be serious or even deadly. It spreads through the air and infects the respiratory tract, causing fever, cough and a characteristic rash. Measles used to be a common childhood disease, but it can affect people of any age who have not been vaccinated or had the disease before.

Before the introduction of the measles vaccine in the 1960s, millions of people were infected with measles each year, and hundreds of thousands died worldwide. The advent of the vaccine led to a dramatic decline in cases and deaths, but measles still remains a significant public health concern.

Measles is caused by a virus belonging to the genus Morbillivirus. It is one of the most infectious diseases known, as it can be spread even when the infected person is not showing any symptoms. The virus is transmitted through coughing, sneezing or close contact with an infected person's oral or nasal secretions.

Symptoms usually appear 10-14 days after exposure to the virus and include fever, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis and a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the head to the rest of the body. Some people may also experience diarrhea, ear infections or pneumonia, which can be severe and even life-threatening, especially in young children, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems.

In most cases, measles can be diagnosed from the characteristic symptoms and a history of exposure to someone with the disease. However, laboratory tests can also be used to confirm the diagnosis.

The best way to prevent measles is through vaccination. The measles vaccine is included in the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine and is given to children in two doses, with the first normally given at age 12-15 months and the second at age 4-6 years. The vaccine is highly effective, with two doses providing around 97% protection against the disease.

Measles is a serious disease that can have long-term health consequences, including brain damage, blindness and deafness. It can also lead to complications such as pneumonia, which can be fatal. Therefore, it is important for everyone to get vaccinated and to ensure that children receive all recommended doses of the vaccine.

In conclusion, measles is a contagious and potentially serious viral disease that can be prevented through vaccination. Although cases of measles have decreased significantly since the introduction of the vaccine, outbreaks still occur due to pockets of unvaccinated people. By getting vaccinated and encouraging others to do so, we can protect ourselves and our communities from this dangerous disease.