About Measles

• Measles is a highly contagious viral respiratory disease which affects mostly children. 
• It is one of the leading causes of death and disability among young children. 
• Measles spreads by coughing and sneezing, close personal contact or direct contact with infected nasal or throat secretions. 
• Death due to measles are caused by the complications associated with the disease like blindness, encephalitis, severe diarrhoea and pneumonia. 

About Rubella

• • Rubella is a contagious viral infection best known by its distinctive red rash. It’s also called German measles or three-day measles. 
  • This infection may cause mild or no symptoms in most people. However, it can cause serious problems for unborn babies whose mothers become infected during pregnancy.
  • Rubella isn’t the same as measles, but the two illnesses share some signs and symptoms, such as the red rash. 

• Rubella is caused by a different virus than measles, and rubella isn’t as infectious or as severe as measles.

Why in News?

• In recognition of the country’s tireless efforts to combat Measles and Rubella, India has been bestowed with the prestigious Measles and Rubella Champion Award by The Measles and Rubella Partnership at the American Red Cross Headquarters in Washington D.C., USA.
• The Measles and Rubella Partnership comprises a multi-agency planning committee, including the American Red Cross, BMGF, GAVI, US CDC, UNF, UNICEF, and WHO, all dedicated to reducing global measles deaths and preventing rubella illness.
• Measles and Rubella are vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs) and MR Vaccine is part of India’s Universal Immunization Programme since 2017. 
• Government of India is working towards eliminating measles and rubella from the country.

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2012663