Measles is a viral infection which often begins with fever, respiratory symptoms and redness and light sensitivity of the eyes. These symptoms are followed by a rash that starts on the face. The disease can later develop into pneumonia or otitis media. Inflammation of the brain is the most feared sequela of measles. Measles infects as respiratory droplet and contact infection and is highly contagious. In the absence of immunity, more than 90 per cent of those who come in contact with a measles patient will be infected. Measles has been almost entirely eradicated from Finland. There are only a few cases per year. Measles remain common and deadly around the world, and even Finland faces a genuine risk of an epidemic due to the vaccination coverage being too low in certain places. The vaccine is included in the National Vaccination Programme.
- Lääkeinfo.fi: M-M-RVAXPRO and Priorix (in Finnish)
- Vaccines against mumps, measles and rubella (MPR)
- The National Vaccination Programme uses either M-M-RVAXPRO or Priorix
- Lääkeinfo.fi: ProQuad (in Finnish)
- Vaccine against mumps, measles, rubella and chicken pox (MPRV)
- In the National Vaccination Programme for 6-year-olds who have not had chicken pox
- THL, Infectious diseases: Measles (in Finnish)
- Duodecim medical reference book: Measles (in Finnish)
- WHO, Fact sheet: Measles
