Introduction
Measles has plagued humanity for centuries, causing countless deaths—especially among children—before the arrival of modern medicine. The introduction of the measles vaccine in the 20th century marked a turning point in global public health. Today, measles is a vaccine-preventable disease, yet its history serves as a reminder of what can happen when vaccination rates decline.
Early History of Measles
Ancient Origins
- Measles is believed to have evolved from a virus that infected cattle (rinderpest virus), jumping to humans around the 9th century AD.
- The Persian physician Rhazes (Al-Razi) described measles in detail in the 10th century, distinguishing it from smallpox.
Global Epidemics
- Measles spread rapidly wherever populations gathered in large numbers, becoming a recurring epidemic disease.
- In the pre-vaccine era, nearly every child contracted measles before age 15.
- Outbreaks in isolated populations, such as Pacific islands, were often catastrophic, wiping out significant portions of the community.
Scientific Breakthroughs
Virus Identification
- In 1954, American scientists John Enders and Thomas Peebles isolated the measles virus from a sick child, paving the way for vaccine development.
First Measles Vaccine
- The first measles vaccine was licensed in the United States in 1963.
- It was later improved in 1968 to a more effective and less reactive version, which remains the basis for today’s measles vaccines.
Vaccination Success
Global Implementation
- The measles vaccine became widely available through routine childhood immunization programs and mass vaccination campaigns.
- The combination MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella) was introduced in the 1970s, making it easier to protect against multiple diseases with a single shot.
Dramatic Decline in Cases
- In the US, measles cases dropped from hundreds of thousands annually in the 1950s and early 1960s to fewer than 100 cases per year after widespread vaccination.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that measles vaccination prevented an estimated 56 million deaths worldwide between 2000 and 2021.
Elimination Achievements
- Many countries, including the US, declared measles eliminated (no continuous transmission for over 12 months) in the early 2000s.
- Some regions of the Americas, Europe, and the Western Pacific have also achieved periods of elimination, though outbreaks have returned where vaccination coverage dropped.
Challenges and Setbacks
- Vaccine Hesitancy: Misinformation has fueled declines in vaccination rates in some communities, leading to outbreaks even in high-income countries.
- Conflict and Poverty: In low-resource settings, lack of access to healthcare remains a barrier.
- Global Travel: Imported cases can reintroduce measles into previously measles-free areas.
Conclusion
The history of measles is a story of both tragedy and triumph. From centuries of devastating epidemics to the modern era of near-elimination in many regions, vaccination has transformed measles from a universal childhood killer into a preventable disease. However, this success depends on maintaining high immunization rates. The lesson from history is clear: without sustained vaccination efforts, measles can and will return.
FAQs
When was the measles virus first identified?
In 1954, John Enders and Thomas Peebles.
When was the first measles vaccine introduced?
In 1963, an improved version was licensed in 1968.
How effective is the measles vaccine?
About 93% effective after one dose and 97% after two doses.
Has measles been eradicated?
No, but it has been eliminated in some countries for certain periods.
How many deaths has measles vaccination prevented globally? An estimated 56 million between 2000 and 2021
