The term "measles" probably comes from a Latin word meaning "miserable."

The Disease

Not everyone recognizes measles as the serious disease it really is, possibly because it used to be a routine part of everyone's childhood, and also because we don't see it nearly as much as we used to. But measles can be deadly. The 10th Century Persian physician Rhazes considered measles "more to be dreaded than smallpox." Measles still kills about a million people a year around the world. Measles can also make a pregnant woman have a miscarriage or give birth prematurely.

(more about the symptoms and way its spread)

The Immunization

Measles vaccine was licensed in 1963. As children started getting the vaccine, measles quickly began to disappear. Today we see only about a hundred cases a year.

(more about the immunization and side effects)

Vaccine Recommendations

• AAP: Age for Routine Administration of the Second Dose of
  Measles–Mumps–Rubella Vaccine
• CDC: Measles, Mumps, and Rubella -- Vaccine Use and Strategies for Elimination of Measles, Rubella, and Congenital Rubella Syndrome and Control of Mumps (Exit Site)

Quick Facts - What You Need to Know

• Why get vaccinated?
• Who should get MMR vaccine and when?
• Some people should not get MMR vaccine or should wait
• What are the risks from MMR vaccine?
• What if there is a moderate or severe reaction?

Other Resources

• CDC Measles page (Exit Site)
• Immunization Action Coalition Measles page (Exit Site)
• National Network for Immunization Information Measles page (Exit Site)

Outbreaks

• CDC Measles: Key Facts for Health Care Personnel
• CDC Measles: Key Facts for the Public
• Measles MMWR 02/22/08