The Facts
Measles (also called rubeola or morbilli) was once one of
the most common childhood infections in North America. In the early 1960s,
over half a million children were infected every year. In 1963, the creation
of a measles vaccine changed everything. Today, there are only about 10,000
new cases each year. While a majority of patients recover from infection, measles
can have serious complications. Early in infection, the brain tissue can become
inflamed (encephalitis). A later complication can occur several years
later, also causing brain damage.
Measles is the most contagious vaccine-preventable infection in humans.
The one antigenic type of the measles virus is only found in humans. This
means that if high immunization rates are maintained, it may be possible to
eradicate this virus, as smallpox was eradicated.