Measles and Rubella

26.04.2025

Measles and Rubella

Why in the news?   

            The Measles-Rubella (M-R) Elimination Campaign 2025–26 aims to achieve 100% immunisation coverage by administering two doses of the M-R vaccine to all eligible children.

About Measles

• Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that primarily affects young children and can lead to serious complications or death, especially in malnourished children or those with weakened immunity.
• It is caused by an enveloped, single-stranded RNA virus, classified under the genus Morbillivirus in the Paramyxoviridae family, with only one serotype.
• Common complications include blindness, encephalitis, severe diarrhoea, ear infections, and pneumonia.
• It spreads through respiratory droplets and remains one of the leading causes of vaccine-preventable deaths globally.

About Rubella

• Also known as German Measles, Rubella is a mild viral infection that predominantly affects children and young adults.
• It is caused by the Rubella virus, an enveloped, single-stranded RNA virus.
• Rubella is less infectious and milder than measles, but it poses a major risk during pregnancy.
• Infection in pregnant women may lead to Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS), which causes irreversible birth defects like deafness, heart defects, and intellectual disabilities.
• Rubella and measles may have similar rash symptoms, but they are caused by different viruses.

India's plan for eliminating measles and rubella includes a comprehensive framework:

• Immunization: Achieve and maintain high population immunity with > 95% vaccination coverage with 2 doses of measles and rubella containing vaccines in each district of the country.
• Surveillance: Sustain a sensitive and timely case-based surveillance system for measles & rubella.
• Outbreaks: Ensure adequate preparedness and timely response to measles and rubella outbreaks.
• Linkages: Strengthen support and linkages to achieve the above strategic objectives.
• Demand Generation for Vaccination: Focused mass awareness campaigns to mitigate the risks of non-vaccination and dispel myths related to MR vaccine for addressing vaccine hesitancy and increasing coverage.

                               Source: PIB

 Consider the following statements:

1. Measles is a highly contagious viral disease.

2.Measles is caused by an enveloped, double-stranded DNA virus.

3.Rubella is less infectious and milder than measles.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

A.Only one

B.Only two

C.All three

D.None

Answer B