Measles: know the risks, check your status, protect yourself

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Measles is a highly contagious, serious disease caused by a virus. In 1980, before widespread vaccination, measles caused an estimated 2.6 million deaths each year.

It remains one of the leading causes of death among young children globally, despite the availability of a safe and effective vaccine. Approximately 122 000 people died from measles in 2012 – mostly children under the age of five.

This fact file on measles has been created for World Immunization Week (24-30 April). This year the slogan for the week is “Immunize for a healthy future: Know, Check, Protect”.

More details are accessible at: http://www.who.int/features/factfiles/measles/en/