Measles is an air-born infection caused by a paramyxovirus, mostly common in early childhood. In the present day, measles is considered an extinct disease in most parts of the world. According to WHO, in 1980, before widespread vaccination, measles caused an estimated 2.6 million deaths each year. However, in the recent years, the once eradicated disease started resurfacing in countries like New Zealand, Australia, and United States (CDC). It is one of the leading causes of death among young children even though a safe and cost-effective vaccine is available (WHO).
Porcia Manandhar, “Measles: Understanding Outbreaks,” College of the Atlantic, accessed December 21, 2024, https://coa.digitalarchive.us/items/show/1417.Item 2386
