What is the mortality rate for measles?

From the Guidelines

The mortality rate for measles is approximately 0.1-0.2% (1-2 deaths per 1,000 cases) in developed countries, but can be as high as 25% in developing countries with poor healthcare access. This is based on the most recent and highest quality study available, which highlights the severity of measles and its complications, particularly in vulnerable populations such as infants, young children, and adults 1.

Key Points to Consider

• The risk of death from measles or its complications is greater for infants, young children, and adults than for older children and adolescents 1.
• The most common causes of death are pneumonia and acute encephalitis, which can occur in approximately one of every 1,000 reported cases 1.
• Measles can be prevented through vaccination with the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine, which is typically given in two doses - the first at 12-15 months of age and the second at 4-6 years.
• Individuals who contract measles should receive supportive care including adequate hydration, fever management, and treatment of secondary infections.
• Vitamin A supplementation is recommended for children with measles, as it has been shown to reduce mortality and complication rates, especially in areas where vitamin A deficiency is common.

Mortality Rate Variation

The mortality rate for measles can vary significantly depending on the population and healthcare access. In developed countries, the mortality rate is relatively low, ranging from 0.1-0.2% (1-2 deaths per 1,000 cases) 1. However, in developing countries with poor healthcare access, the mortality rate can be as high as 25% 1.

Prevention and Treatment

Prevention through vaccination is the most effective way to reduce the mortality rate associated with measles. The MMR vaccine is highly effective, providing about 97% protection after two doses. Supportive care, including adequate hydration, fever management, and treatment of secondary infections, is also crucial in reducing mortality and complication rates. Vitamin A supplementation is recommended for children with measles, particularly in areas where vitamin A deficiency is common.

From the Research

Mortality Rate for Measles

• The mortality rate for measles has been a significant concern, especially in developing countries, with an estimated 750,000 deaths in 2000 2.
• According to a study published in 2008, increased routine measles vaccine coverage and supplementary immunization activities implemented during 2000-2007 resulted in a 74% decrease in the estimated number of measles deaths globally, with an estimated 197,000 deaths from measles occurring in 2007 2.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that approximately 777,000 measles-associated deaths occurred worldwide in 2000, making measles the fifth leading cause of childhood mortality 3.
• A study published in 1999 reported that measles still claims the lives of one million children annually worldwide, despite the decline in incidence 4.
• The death rate from acute measles is estimated to be 1-3 per 1000, with a risk of encephalitis of 1 per 1000 5.
• Measles vaccination has been shown to have a beneficial effect on mortality, with protective efficacy against death ranging from 30-86% in cohort studies from developing countries 6.

Regional Mortality Rates

• The WHO South-East Asian Region accounted for 69% of the estimated 197,000 measles deaths in 2007, with 136,000 deaths occurring in this region 2.
• The African and South East Asian regions are still working towards the measles mortality reduction goal, with four of six WHO regions having established measles elimination targets 3.

Vaccination Efforts

• The WHO-UNICEF comprehensive strategy for measles mortality reduction focuses on achieving and maintaining high coverage with the first dose of measles-containing vaccine, ensuring a second opportunity for measles immunization, implementing effective laboratory-supported disease surveillance, and providing appropriate clinical management for measles cases 2.
• Two doses of measles vaccine can prevent 99% of cases, and the first dose is typically given at 12-15 months of age, with the second dose administered at 4-6 years of age 5.