What precaution should be taken to prevent the spread of measles?

The most effective precaution to prevent the spread of measles is immunization with the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. The vaccine works by stimulating the immune system to develop antibodies against the measles virus, thus providing immunity. This is particularly important because measles is highly contagious, spreading easily through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Widespread immunization significantly reduces the incidence of measles outbreaks and helps protect individuals who cannot be vaccinated due to medical reasons, such as infants or those with compromised immune systems.

While isolating infected individuals, practicing routine hand washing, and using antiviral medications may play roles in managing infectious diseases, they do not address the core issue of preventing the spread of measles in the first place. Isolation helps limit exposure once a person is already infected, hand washing aids in general hygiene practices, and antiviral medications are typically not effective against viral infections like measles. Thus, immunization remains the primary and most effective strategy for measles prevention.