Early pre-1979 poster created to promote the importance of Smallpox and Measles vaccinations in foreign lands.

This poster is part of a series of posters collected throughout the world on smallpox and/or measles vaccination. In 1966, the CDC began the worldwide smallpox eradication campaign in Africa, and by 1979 the world was declared smallpox-free. (Source: CDC/Stafford Smith)

Health experts call for vigilance against measles. Press Release from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)

Two shots of the combined measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine prevents you from getting these diseases and their complications.

One rare but severe complication of measles is a form of encephalitis called subacute sclerosing pan-encephalitis (SSPE) that develops years after the original infection. It is a progressive and debilitating disorder leading to death. Symptoms include behavioural changes, seizures, dementia and an unsteady gait. No cure for SSPE exists. However, certain anti-viral drugs can slow the progression of the disease.

A child suffering with SSPE

(Photo source)

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