Measles-Rubella

Measles-Rubella Latest News

The Measles-Rubella (M-R) Elimination Campaign 2025–26 aims to achieve 100% immunisation coverage by administering two doses of the M-R vaccine to all eligible children.

About Measles

• Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that primarily affects young children and can lead to serious complications or death, especially in malnourished children or those with weakened immunity.
• It is caused by an enveloped, single-stranded RNA virus, classified under the genus Morbillivirus in the Paramyxoviridae family, with only one serotype.
• Common complications include blindness, encephalitis, severe diarrhoea, ear infections, and pneumonia.
• It spreads through respiratory droplets and remains one of the leading causes of vaccine-preventable deaths globally.

About Rubella

• Also known as German Measles, Rubella is a mild viral infection that predominantly affects children and young adults.
• It is caused by the Rubella virus, an enveloped, single-stranded RNA virus, different from the measles virus.
• Rubella is less infectious and milder than measles, but it poses a major risk during pregnancy.
• Infection in pregnant women may lead to Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS), which causes irreversible birth defects like deafness, heart defects, and intellectual disabilities.
• Rubella and measles may have similar rash symptoms, but they are caused by different viruses.

Measles-Rubella FAQs

Q1. What is the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination campaign?
Ans. The MR campaign is a public health initiative launched by the Government of India to eliminate measles and control rubella by vaccinating children aged 9 months to 15 years.

Q2. What type of vaccine is used in the MR campaign?
Ans. A live attenuated combined vaccine is used, which protects against both measles and rubella viruses.

Source: PIB