Causes of Measles

Measles is caused by the measles virus, a member of the paramyxovirus family. It is not caused by evil eye, weather, diet or a goddess, as some beliefs say.

How the virus spreads

• Airborne droplets: when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks, the virus enters the air and can be breathed in by others
• Surfaces: the virus can survive on objects for a short time, and spread to hands, then the nose, mouth or eyes
• Close contact: shared homes, schools, crèches and hospital waiting rooms

A person can spread measles from about 4 days before the rash appears until 4 days after. This is why it spreads before anyone knows the person is ill.

Why outbreaks happen

• Vaccine coverage below about 95 per cent in a community
• Missed or delayed vaccine doses
• Crowded living, poor nutrition and low vitamin A
• Travel and migration bringing the virus into new areas

What raises the risk of severe illness

• Age under 5 years
• Malnutrition and vitamin A deficiency
• Weak immune system, such as from HIV or cancer treatment
• Pregnancy

Ayurvedic view

Traditional texts link fever with rash to Pitta and Rakta imbalance. This is a traditional reading and does not explain the viral cause.

Key point

Measles needs a virus and a susceptible person. Vaccination removes the second part.

Common myths

Measles is sometimes believed to be a curse or a result of eating certain foods. It is an infection like any other. Treating it as a punishment delays care, and the child may miss the vaccine, which is the real protection for other children too.