Measles is one of the most contagious disease in the world - and often referred to as the most contagious one. A person carrying the virus can infect up to 90 per cent of the unvaccinated people around him or her. A vaccine offers almost complete protection when a person is inoculated twice and, therefore, ensuring maximum double-vaccination coverage of children is vital. To avoid outbreaks, 95% of the children should be double-vaccinated; surveillance must be strong ; and regular catch-up campaigns must be organized to protect children who fall through the cracks. The fight against measles is like a chain around the virus: if one link is broken, the virus can escape.
