Update of the nomenclature for describing the genetic characteristics of wild-type measles viruses: new genotypes and reference strains

Overview

Molecular characterization of measles viruses can be a valuable tool for measuring the effectiveness of measles control and elimination programmes. WHO recommends that viral surveillance be conducted during all phases of measles control and that virological surveillance activities be expanded to provide an accurate description of the global distribution of measles genotypes. The WHO Global Measles Laboratory Network provides support for virological surveillance.