[Measles: An Old-New Disease]

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Diseases
• Vaccinology

Background:

• Measles (Rubeola) is a highly contagious disease with significant historical global morbidity and mortality.
• Vaccination has drastically reduced measles incidence, yet recent years show a concerning increase in outbreaks worldwide.
• Developed countries, including Israel, face a renewed risk of measles endemicity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the epidemiology of measles and its vaccine.
• To analyze the re-emergence of measles in Israel and globally over the past decade.
• To discuss preventive strategies for future outbreaks and maintaining measles elimination.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of measles epidemiology and vaccination.
• Analysis of recent measles outbreak data in Israel and worldwide.
• Discussion of public health interventions and policy recommendations.

Main Results:

• Despite high vaccination rates, measles outbreaks have resurged globally in the last decade.
• Israel, like other developed nations, is at risk of losing its measles elimination status.
• Specific preventive measures are crucial to control transmission and prevent endemicity.

Conclusions:

• Sustained high vaccination coverage is essential for measles control.
• Enhanced surveillance and rapid response are critical to manage outbreaks.
• Maintaining measles elimination requires a concerted global and national effort, including robust public health strategies.