Measles - Resurgence of an Old Foe.

Nora E Colburn

Journal: The Medical clinics of North America 2025;109(3):683-694

PMID: 40185555

Full Text on Elsevier Science View on PubMed

Abstract

Measles was a leading cause of childhood morbidity and mortality before introduction of an extremely effective vaccine. Incidence dropped dramatically, but has increased recently given incomplete vaccination coverage and high levels of contagion. Clinicians must have a high index of suspicion for measles when evaluating febrile viral exanthems in susceptible hosts. Diagnosis can be made with serum immunoglobulin M or polymerase chain reaction. Treatment with vitamin A is recommended in children with severe measles. Vaccination with 2 doses of vaccine is the mainstay of prevention and 95% coverage is required for herd immunity.

Address: Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, N1120 North Doan Hall, 410 West 10th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA. Electronic address: [email protected].

DOI: 10.1016/j.mcna.2024.12.002

Link outs

Free resources

Medical:

https://medlineplus.gov/measles.html

Subscription / membership required

Full Text Sources:

MeSH Terms: Humans, Measles, Measles Vaccine, Child, Vaccination, Incidence, Vitamin A, Immunity, Herd