Global Measles and Rubella

Updated November 16, 2023

Measles and rubella are vaccine-preventable diseases, yet rubella is the leading cause of vaccine-preventable birth defects, and measles still claimed the lives of 136,000 people (mostly children) worldwide in 2022.

About Global Measles & Rubella

Overview, Health Problems Linked to Measles & Rubella

Why CDC Is Involved

Health, Monetary, and Security Costs of Measles and Rubella

What CDC Is Doing

CDC's Focus on Measles and Rubella, Stories from the Field

Data and Statistics

Fast Facts, Outbreak Information, Global Impact of Measles & Rubella

A health worker administers a dose of measles vaccine to a child in Nigeria. ©UNICEF/U.S.CDC/UN0669643/Owoicho

Featured Topics and Resources

A baby girl with measles in the Phillipines

Global Measles Outbreaks

Learn about measles outbreaks, the top 10 countries with current outbreaks, and CDC’s work to prevent them from spreading.

A mother with an infant and small child watches as 2 female healthcare workers conduct a routine immunization session.

News and Views

News related to global measles, rubella, and congenital rubella syndrome (CRS).

Over half of the 22 million infants who did not receive their first dose of measles in 2022 lived in just 10 countries. CDC

Digital & Social Media

Share the facts on global measles and rubella through social media, videos, infographics, and more.