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Measles virus: how it works

Published on February 26, 2026   27 min

A selection of talks on Immunology

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0:00
Hi. My name is Roberto Cattaneo. I'm a professor of biochemistry and molecular biology at Mayo Clinic. Today, I will explain how measles virus works and why it is so dangerous.
0:16
Measles is second only to smallpox for the number of human deaths caused. Smallpox was eradicated decades ago through vaccination. Measles eradication is planned but difficult to achieve.
0:31
A live-attenuated measles vaccine was developed about 60 years ago. It is extremely safe and provides long-lasting protection. Measles vaccine administration resulted in a strong reduction of measles cases in the USA, as shown in this graph. Worldwide distribution of the vaccine resulted in the elimination of endogenous transmission in many countries by the early 2000s. However, the plan to eradicate measles is failing due to problems with vaccine delivery and vaccine acceptance. These problems, which are discussed in the Henry Stewart talk by Diane Griffin are causing a measles resurgence.
1:16
In the first half of 2025, almost 100000 cases have been documented, including thousands in Europe and North America. In these continents, endemic transmission recently resumed because of declining vaccination coverage. In the USA and Canada, only a few measles cases were monitored for decades, mainly in non-vaccinated children who contracted it when abroad. However, as of July 2025, in the US, more than 1300 confirmed measles cases were reported and three people died of measles.

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Measles virus: how it works

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