Re-Emergence of Measles in the World and Our Country: Causes and Consequences

Abstract

Measles, an old and highly contagious disease successfully controlled by vaccination, has revived worldwide epidemics without reaching its elimination and eradication goals. In this review, epidemiological data from the United States and Turkey were mainly analyzed. Vaccine rejection or hesitation has been mentioned as one of the reasons for the recurrence of measles. This review includes evaluating the cases followed in our hospital in three time periods when the number of measles cases increased in our country. Demographic data, vaccination status of the patients, complications, and prognosis were also emphasized. Keywords: measles, measles-mumps-rubella vaccine, vaccination refusal, measles elimination