Measles: Historical background and current situation

Abstract

Measles is still a major cause of child morbidity and mortality. In recent years, it has become a global public health problem, attributed to low vaccination coverage observed in different countries. In order to control it, a highly effective live virus vaccine is available, which was used for the first time in Chile in 1964, covering practically the whole country in a short period of time. This was the first world experience, which was later imitated by other countries leading to a significant drop in mor bidity and mortality rates. Its effectiveness has been amply demonstrated, but it requires coverage maintenance higher than 95%. In Chile, minor endemic situation persisted until 1993. In recent years, there have been some reduced outbreaks and sporadic cases linked to contacts with imported cases, however, according to recent data, measles is now circulating in more than 160 countries at an unprecedented spread level, where infected travelers are the main vehicle of transmission. In Chile, the Ministry of Health has decided to strengthen and update the vaccination of susceptible groups, especially travelers. This update reviews historical aspects and current information on this re-emer ging disease, showing its high epidemiological impact on the pediatric and adult population globally.