Reducing Measles, Rubella, and CRS Worldwide
Measles anywhere is measles everywhere.
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus. It can result in serious health complications, such as pneumonia and encephalitis, and even cause death. Measles kills more than 100,000 children in the world each year.
Rubella (“German measles”) affects susceptible children and young adults worldwide. If women acquire rubella in the first trimester of pregnancy, serious consequences can result, including miscarriages, still births, and having infants born with Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS). CRS is a constellation of birth defects, most commonly blindness, deafness, and heart problems.
Global Efforts
Measles and rubella elimination goals by WHO Region, February 2012
Americas, Europe, E. Mediterranean, W. Pacific, and Africa have measles elimination goals. Americas and Europe have rubella elimination goals.
Why It's Important
Measles is one of the most contagious diseases known and a leading cause of vaccine-preventable death among children. Rubella infection during pregnancy can cause CRS and is easily preventable by vaccination.
What CDC Is Doing
As a founding member of the Measles & Rubella Initiative, CDC provides support to partners and other countrie.
Who We Are: The Measles Partners
The Measles & Rubella Initiative, launched in 2001, is a partnership committed to reducing measles deaths globally.
Our Progress
Since the Measles & Rubella Initiative began in 2001, more than 700 million children in 60 countries have been vaccinated.
Challenges
Earlier successes in measles control are being overshadowed by a resurgence of the disease in sub-Saharan Africa.
Measles in the U.S.
Measles, United States, 1995-2011: reported cases and incidence
The number of Measles cases in the U.S. dramically increase in 2011.
More About Measles
More About Rubella and CRS
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