Where did measles originally come from?

Measles, a highly contagious viral disease of humans, originated as a zoonotic disease, rinderpest (German for “cattle plague”), between 1000 and 1100 AD. This period may have been preceded by limited outbreaks involving a virus not yet fully acclimated to humans, possibly in the 7th century. It affected cattle, domestic & wild buffalo, giraffes, wildebeests, etc. Death rates routinely approached 100% in immunologically naïve populations, with most animals dying within 12 days. It was transmitted by direct contact and contaminated drinking water, although it could also be transmitted by air. Rinderpest was globally eradicated in 2011, with the last reported case seen in 2001. Rinderpest is only the second disease wiped out after smallpox.

Rinderpest probably originated in Asia, spreading through the transport of cattle. Cattle epizootics were noted in ancient times: a cattle plague is thought to be one of the 10 plagues of Egypt described in the Bible. Around 3,000 BC, a cattle plague had reached Egypt. Rinderpest spread throughout the rest of Africa following European colonization. Rinderpest was investigated as a possible biological weapon until the USA abandoned its biological weapons program.

Measles is transmitted via respiratory droplets. It is so contagious that up to 90% of the people close to an infected person who lack immunity will become infected. Measles virus has no animal reservoirs.