Measles and rubella: old problems in a new generation.

Death, disease, and disability extort heavy costs from individuals, families, and society-costs that are unwarranted when relatively simple prevention measures are available. Measles and rubella are communicable diseases for which modern medicine has inexpensive and relatively safe prevention measures; yet, in early 1985, three students at Principia College (Elsah, IL) died from measles complications (Centers for Disease Control [CDC], 1985a). Rubella, though less frequent and less severe for the adult, brings severe complications for a fetus. Nurses, familiar with the epidemiology of these diseases and current prevention strategies, can effectively promote health of individuals and communities through assessment, nursing diagnosis, and treatment planning.