Measles is a highly infectious disease of childhood caused by the rubella virus. The word Rubeola means “Red spots”. It is highly contagious. Measles could be found in every part of the world. This disease is characterized by cold, cough, fever and skin rash. The person usually recovers but the complications of the respiratory and central nervous systems could occur.

Measles is still a leading killer among vaccine preventable diseases of childhood, taking its toll mainly among malnourished children whose natural defenses have been weakened by other infections, and who live in crowded urban localities. Data indicates a declining trend of measles in India though. In 1986, 1,55,072 cases were reported as apposed to 26,986 in 1995. Nevertheless, epidemics of measles are common in India during winter and early spring (January to April).