Measles
Measles Fact Sheet
(PDF 14 KB)
Measles is a highly contagious rash illness caused by the measles virus.
The virus is found only in humans.
Before a vaccine was available, infection with measles virus was
nearly universal during childhood, with more than 90% of persons immune
by age 15.
Measles is a common and often fatal disease in developing countries.
The World Health Organization estimates there were 30-40 million cases and
745,000 deaths from measles worldwide in 2001.
Measles last occurred in Boulder County in 2000.
The measles vaccine is a series of two injections that usually
contain mumps and rubella components as well.
|
