Measles, as the most contagious viral disease, can be easily controlled through vaccination. In Iran, following the nationwide vaccination campaign in 2003 (1382 in the Iranian calendar), cases of measles significantly declined. However, in subsequent years, due to various reasons, outbreaks of measles occurred, especially in the southern and southeastern provinces.
According to the latest report on the surveillance of fever and maculopapular rashes in the first quarter of 1404 (2025), a total of 3,242 cases presenting symptoms of fever and maculopapular rashes were identified and reported. Among these, 422 cases were confirmed as measles and 5 cases as rubella through laboratory testing. (1)
In terms of nationality, 96% of the confirmed measles cases were Iranian and 4% Afghan. Additionally, 47% were female and 53% male. Regarding age groups, 37% of the patients were under one year old, 25% were in the 1-4 year age group, 10% in the 5-9 year group, 5.4% in the 10-14 year group, 6.6% in the 15-19 year group, and 16% were 20 years or older(1)
Concerning vaccination history, out of 266 cases aged over 12 months, 31% had received two or more doses of the vaccine, 23% had no vaccination history, 11% had received one dose, and 32% had an unknown vaccination status. (1)
The provinces of Khuzestan, Sistan and Baluchestan, Fars, and Hormozgan accounted for the highest number of measles cases in the first quarter of 1404 (2025). (1)