Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that has been known to affect humans for centuries. Before the vaccine, measles was a leading cause of mortality, especially in children. Here are some of its historical impacts:
1. Pandemics: Measles pandemics occurred intermittently throughout recorded history. The worst of all was in the 19th century when millions of people died from the disease worldwide.
2. Child mortality: In the 20th century, measles was a leading cause of child mortality globally, accounting for over 30% of all deaths among children under 5 years of age.
3. Complications: Measles also causes a wide range of complications, such as pneumonia, diarrhea, blindness, and brain damage. The complications can be fatal or leave individuals with lifelong disability.
4. Lost income: Measles can cause severe illness and long recovery periods, which can cause a lot of lost school or work days. This can lead to significant economic losses for families and communities.
5. Healthcare burden: Before the vaccine, the healthcare system had to deal with a constant stream of measles cases, which took up a lot of resources and staff time.
In conclusion, the impact of measles before the vaccine was significant and far-reaching, affecting not only the health of individuals but also the social and economic well-being of communities. The development of measles vaccines has been one of the most successful public health interventions of the 20th century.
historical impact of measles before vaccine
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