The Caribbean and countries of the Americas are first in the world to be declared free of local measles transmission. This means that children in the Caribbean are now less likely to be affected by measles, once they are vaccinated. Measles affects mostly children and is one of the most contagious diseases. However, widespread use of the vaccine has led to a great reduction in measles cases in the Region. Between 1971 and 1979, more than 100,000 deaths in the Americas were attributable to the disease. Measles is transmitted by airborne droplets or via direct contact with secretions from the nose, mouth, and throat of infected individuals. It can cause serious complications including blindness, severe diarrhea, ear infections and pneumonia, particularly in children with nutritional problems.
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