Measles: An Infectious and Serious Disease

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads rapidly. With an R number of 15, it is one of the most infectious respiratory viruses known. Symptoms begin as a cold, with fever, runny nose, cough, and a rash that spreads all over the body. While most people recover, about 20% of children require hospital visits, and 1 in 3,000 to 5,000 may die. Measles vaccination has been crucial in controlling the disease, with Rold Dahl's daughter's death from encephalitis serving as a catalyst for promoting vaccination. Measles was eliminated in the UK in 2017, but recent outbreaks in the West Midlands, primarily among low-vaccination-rate Muslim populations, are concerning health authorities.