Why can one measles case start a large outbreak?
Quick Answer
Measles is one of the most contagious human infections, with an R0 often estimated around 12 to 18. In a community with low vaccination coverage, a single case can spread very rapidly.
The Full Story
Measles spreads through airborne droplets and can remain infectious in the air for up to about 2 hours after an infected person leaves a room. Because the virus is so contagious, population immunity must be very high to stop spread; public health estimates often put the threshold around 95% vaccination coverage. If coverage drops, measles can return quickly even in places where it had been eliminated for years. Before the measles vaccine, the disease caused millions of cases and significant childhood mortality worldwide each year. High vaccination coverage is the main reason outbreaks are preventable.
Key Facts
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"Why can one measles case spark an outbreak? Because the virus spreads like wildfire."
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