Measles Outbreak- Understanding the Reasons Behind the Spike

Mumbai has recently witnessed a spike in the number of measles cases. With more than 200 cases and 13 deaths being reported over the past 2 months, a critical health crisis has arisen in the city.

What is measles?

• Measles, commonly called ‘khasra’, is a highly contagious disease caused by a member of the paramyxovirus family.
• It mainly affects the respiratory system and later spreads to the rest of the body.
• It is transmitted through coughing, sneezing, close personal contact and contact with the patient’s throat and nasal secretions.
• The disease’s main symptoms are:
  • High fever, beginning 10-12 days post-exposure to the pathogen