Measles, Mumps & Rubella
What is Measles, Mumps & Rubella?
Measles: Measles is a highly contagious viral infection caused by the measles virus. It spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing. Symptoms typically include a high fever, cough, runny nose, and characteristic red rash. In severe cases, it can lead to complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis (brain inflammation), and even death, especially in young children and people with weakened immune systems. Measles can be prevented with the measles vaccine, which is usually administered as part of the MMR vaccine.
Mumps: Mumps is caused by the mumps virus and is characterized by swelling of the salivary glands, which can cause pain and difficulty swallowing. Other symptoms may include fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, and loss of appetite. In some cases, mumps can lead to complications such as orchitis (inflammation of the testicles in males), meningitis (inflammation of the covering of the brain and spinal cord), and deafness. Like measles, mumps can be prevented with the MMR vaccine.
Rubella (German measles): Rubella is caused by the rubella virus and typically causes a mild illness with symptoms such as a low-grade fever, sore throat, and a rash that starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. However, rubella infection during pregnancy can have serious consequences for the developing fetus, leading to miscarriage, stillbirth, or congenital rubella syndrome (CRS), which can cause birth defects such as deafness, blindness, heart defects, and intellectual disabilities. The MMR vaccine is also effective in preventing rubella.
Measles, Mumps & Rubella Vaccine Price
What are the main risk factors for What is Measles, Mumps & Rubella??
Lack of Vaccination: The most significant risk factor for contracting measles, mumps, or rubella is not being vaccinated against these diseases. Vaccination provides immunity against these viruses and helps prevent infection and its complications.
Close Contact with Infected Individuals: Measles, mumps, and rubella are highly contagious diseases that spread through respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing of infected individuals. Close contact with someone who has any of these infections increases the risk of transmission.
Travel to Areas with Outbreaks: Traveling to regions or countries where measles, mumps, or rubella outbreaks are occurring increases the risk of exposure to these viruses, especially if the individual is not vaccinated or has incomplete immunity.
Crowded Settings: Living or spending time in crowded environments, such as schools, daycare centers, college dormitories, or refugee camps, can facilitate the spread of measles, mumps, and rubella due to the close proximity of individuals and increased opportunities for transmission.
Weakened Immune System: People with weakened immune systems due to conditions such as HIV/AIDS, certain cancers, or immunosuppressive medications are at increased risk of complications if they contract measles, mumps, or rubella.
Pregnancy: Rubella infection during pregnancy poses a significant risk to the developing fetus, leading to miscarriage, stillbirth, or congenital rubella syndrome (CRS). Pregnant women who are not immune to rubella are at risk of transmitting the virus to their unborn child.
Age: Infants, young children, and adolescents are particularly vulnerable to complications from measles, mumps, and rubella infections. Immunization in early childhood helps protect against these diseases.
Poor Hygiene Practices: Lack of proper hygiene, such as not washing hands regularly or covering coughs and sneezes, can increase the risk of transmission of measles, mumps, and rubella among individuals in close contact.
High risk areas for Measles, Mumps & Rubella
Regions with Low Vaccination Coverage: Areas with low vaccination rates or inadequate access to vaccines are at higher risk for outbreaks of measles, mumps, and rubella. This can occur due to various reasons, including vaccine hesitancy, lack of access to healthcare services, or challenges in vaccine distribution.
International Travel Hubs: Regions with high volumes of international travel can be susceptible to imported cases of measles, mumps, and rubella. Travelers who are not vaccinated or who travel to areas with ongoing outbreaks can introduce these diseases to new populations.
Overcrowded Urban Areas: Urban areas with high population density, limited access to healthcare, and poor sanitation can facilitate the rapid spread of measles, mumps, and rubella. Close living quarters and crowded public spaces increase the likelihood of transmission among susceptible individuals.
Regions with Weak Healthcare Infrastructure: Areas with inadequate healthcare infrastructure, limited resources for disease surveillance and control, and challenges in implementing vaccination programs are at greater risk of experiencing outbreaks of measles, mumps, and rubella.
Communities with Religious or Philosophical Exemptions: Communities or regions where religious or philosophical exemptions to vaccination are common may have lower vaccination rates, increasing the risk of outbreaks of measles, mumps, and rubella among unvaccinated individuals.
Conflict Zones and Refugee Camps: Conflict-affected areas and refugee camps often face challenges in providing healthcare services, including vaccination programs. Displacement, overcrowding, and limited access to healthcare increase the vulnerability of populations to infectious diseases such as measles, mumps, and rubella.
Seasonal Variations: In some regions, there may be seasonal variations in the incidence of measles, mumps, and rubella. For example, outbreaks may occur more frequently during certain times of the year due to factors such as school terms, weather patterns, or cultural events.
Regions with Previous Outbreaks or Low Herd Immunity: Areas that have experienced recent outbreaks of measles, mumps, or rubella or have persistently low levels of herd immunity are at ongoing risk for further transmission of these diseases.
Main symptoms of Measles, Mumps & Rubella
- Measles:
- High fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
- Koplik’s spots (small white spots with bluish-white centers) inside the mouth
- Rash, which typically starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. The rash consists of flat, red spots that may merge together as it progresses.
2. Mumps:
- Swelling and pain in one or both parotid glands (located in the cheeks, near the jawline)
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Pain when chewing or swallowing
- Swelling and tenderness of the testicles (orchitis) in males who have reached puberty (though this complication does not occur in all cases
3. Rubella (German measles):
- Mild fever
- Sore throat
- Swollen lymph nodes, especially behind the ears and at the back of the head
- Red or pink rash that starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. Unlike the measles rash, the rubella rash is usually lighter and less extensive.
Ways to minimise the risk of Measles, Mumps & Rubella during travel
Vaccination: Ensure that you and your travel companions are up-to-date on MMR vaccination before traveling, especially if you are visiting areas with known outbreaks or where these diseases are endemic. If you have not received the recommended doses of the MMR vaccine or if you’re unsure of your vaccination status, consult with a healthcare provider to discuss vaccination options.
Check Travel Advisories: Stay informed about travel advisories and alerts issued by health authorities regarding measles, mumps, and rubella outbreaks in your destination and neighboring regions. Consider postponing travel to areas experiencing significant outbreaks, especially if you are unvaccinated or have a weakened immune system.
- Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before eating, after using the restroom, and after coughing or sneezing. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
Avoid Close Contact with Sick Individuals: Avoid close contact with people who are sick, especially if they have symptoms suggestive of measles, mumps, or rubella. Maintain distance from individuals who are coughing, sneezing, or exhibiting signs of illness.
Cover Coughs and Sneezes: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when coughing or sneezing to prevent the spread of respiratory droplets containing the viruses that cause measles, mumps, and rubella.
Stay Away from Crowded Settings: Minimize time spent in crowded or congested areas, such as public transportation, markets, and large gatherings, where the risk of exposure to infectious diseases may be higher.
Be Cautious with Food and Water: Practice safe food and water hygiene to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal infections, which can weaken the immune system and make individuals more susceptible to contracting other infectious diseases, including MMR.
Seek Medical Advice if Exposed or Symptomatic: If you believe you have been exposed to measles, mumps, or rubella during your travels or if you develop symptoms consistent with these diseases, seek medical advice promptly. Contact a healthcare provider or local health authorities for guidance on testing, treatment, and isolation measures.
Measles, Mumps & Rubella vaccine
Composition: The MMR vaccine contains weakened or attenuated forms of the measles, mumps, and rubella viruses. These viruses stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies, which provide protection against future infections.
- Schedule: The MMR vaccine is typically administered in two doses, with the first dose given at around 12 to 15 months of age and the second dose given at 4 to 6 years of age. In some cases, the second dose may be given earlier, as long as it is at least 28 days after the first dose
Effectiveness: The MMR vaccine is highly effective in preventing measles, mumps, and rubella infections. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one dose of the MMR vaccine is about 93% effective at preventing measles, while two doses are about 97% effective. Similarly, the vaccine is about 88% effective at preventing mumps and about 97% effective at preventing rubella after two doses.
Safety: The MMR vaccine is considered safe and well-tolerated for the vast majority of individuals. Common side effects may include soreness at the injection site, low-grade fever, mild rash, and temporary joint pain or swelling. Serious side effects are rare but can include allergic reactions.
Herd Immunity: Vaccination with the MMR vaccine not only protects individuals who receive the vaccine but also contributes to herd immunity, which helps prevent the spread of these diseases within the community. Maintaining high vaccination coverage is crucial for preventing outbreaks of measles, mumps, and rubella.
Contraindications: Some individuals should not receive the MMR vaccine due to certain medical conditions or allergies. These include people with severe allergies to any component of the vaccine, those with weakened immune systems, pregnant women (as the vaccine contains live viruses), and individuals who have had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of the MMR vaccine.
Booster Doses: In some cases, booster doses of the MMR vaccine may be recommended, such as during outbreaks or for certain high-risk populations. Adults who have not received two doses of the MMR vaccine and are at increased risk of exposure to measles, mumps, or rubella may also benefit from vaccination.