Measles
10 Active OutbreaksMeasles is a highly contagious viral infection caused by the measles virus. It primarily affects unvaccinated children but can infect anyone without immunity. Historically, it was a common childhood disease worldwide and remains a significant health threat in areas with low vaccination rates.
What is Measles?
Measles is one of the most contagious diseases known to humans. It's a viral infection that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Before the measles vaccine was introduced in 1963, major epidemics occurred every 2-3 years, causing an estimated 2.6 million deaths annually worldwide.
Symptoms
- High fever (may spike to >104°F)
- Cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes
- Koplik spots (tiny white spots inside the mouth)
- Red, blotchy rash starting on face and spreading downward
- Fatigue and body aches
- Loss of appetite
Transmission
Measles spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can remain airborne and infectious for up to 2 hours in an enclosed space. It is one of the most contagious diseases known, with 90% of non-immune individuals becoming infected after exposure.
Contagious Period: 4 days before to 4 days after rash appears
Prevention
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine - 97% effective after 2 doses
- Isolation of infected individuals
- Post-exposure prophylaxis within 72 hours of exposure
- Immune globulin for high-risk individuals
- Maintaining high vaccination coverage (95%+) for herd immunity
Active Outbreaks & Recent Cases
Real-time intelligence from global health monitoring and AI-powered surveillance
Data sources: BEACON, ProMED, WHO, CDC, and 50+ national health agencies
✓ Live data updated in real-time from global health sources
Measles Outbreak Hits Peru Amid Vaccination Concerns
This event envelope includes reports on measles cases and clusters in Peru.
Source: BEACON - View Full Report
Measles Outbreak Hits Riga, First Since 2018
This event envelope contains reports on measles outbreaks in Latvia.
Source: BEACON - View Full Report
Measles Outbreak Grips Yemen Hundreds Infected
This event envelope contains reports on measles clusters and outbreaks in Yemen.
Source: BEACON - View Full Report
Measles Returns to Colombia After Five Years
In Feb 2026, Colombia confirmed three imported measles cases in adults who traveled to outbreak-affected countries, representing the first detections in five years. The Ministry of Health has activated enhanced surveillance and is implementing targeted vaccination campaigns, particularly for travelers and high-risk populations, amid regional increase in cases concentrated in Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
Source: BEACON - View Full Report
Canada Measles Outbreak Surpasses 650 Cases in 2026
Canada is experiencing an ongoing multijurisdictional measles outbreak in 2026, with more than 650 cases reported across multiple provinces as of March 2025, driven largely by transmission in Manitoba and Alberta. This follows a sharp rise from just over 100 cases in 2024 to more than 5000 cases in 2025 and the subsequent loss of Canada’s measles elimination status after more than a year of sustained transmission.
Source: BEACON - View Full Report
Measles Persists in Indonesia Despite Immunization Efforts
Indonesia reported 8810 suspected measles cases, 572 laboratory‑confirmed cases (approximately 67% of confirmed cases had no immunization history), and five deaths during January–February 2026.
Source: BEACON - View Full Report
Measles Returns to Brazil: Rio Hotel Worker Infected
Brazil was re-certified as measles-free by PAHO in November 2024 but incomplete second-dose MMR coverage creates vulnerability to sustained transmission amid increased regional importation pressure.
Source: BEACON - View Full Report
Measles Kills Children in Guatemala Amid Outbreak
Guatemala is experiencing its first measles outbreak in 36 years. The outbreak started at a religious mass gathering in Santiago Atitlán, Sololá, with participants from multiple countries, and has now spread across several departments in Guatemala, with nearly 30% of cases in children under 14.
Source: BEACON - View Full Report
Measles Outbreak Surges in Japan: Cases Top 150
This event envelope cover trends in measles cases and outbreaks in Japan.
Source: BEACON - View Full Report
Bangladesh Measles Outbreak Overwhelms Hospitals Amid Vaccine Shortage
This event envelope reports measles outbreaks in Bangladesh.
Source: BEACON - View Full Report
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Expert Resources & References
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WHO
Global disease surveillance and guidelines from the World Health Organization
View WHO Resources →Medically Reviewed Content
Disease information on Virus Watcher is reviewed by our Chief Epidemiologist, a former CDC lead analyst for FluSight forecasting. Outbreak data is aggregated from verified sources including BEACON, ProMED, WHO, CDC, and 50+ national health agencies. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice.
Last reviewed: 2026-04-19
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Measles answered by our epidemiology team
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