Measles (rubeola) is a highly contagious childhood vaccine-preventable disease caused by the measles virus. 1 2 Complications occur in 10% to 40% of affected patients, and treatment is mainly symptomatic. 1 3 4 5 6 In developed countries, routine immunisation with measles-containing vaccine is recommended with the first dose at age 12 to 15 months and the second dose at age 4 to 6 years. 7 8 In regions with high rates of measles transmission, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that the first dose of measles-containing vaccine be given at age 9 months and the second dose at age 15 to 18 months. 9 Studies have shown that one dose of measles vaccine given at or after 1 year of age is 93% to 95% effective in protecting against measles whereas two doses given at appropriate intervals is close to 100% effective. 8 Measles vaccination given to susceptible contacts within 72 hours of exposure is effective in preventing illness or modifying the severity of the illness.
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