Measles is a highly contagious and potentially very dangerous disease, especially for young children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems. While measles often causes symptoms like high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a characteristic rash, it can lead to serious complications that may be fatal.
How dangerous is measles?
- Mortality rate: On average, measles kills between 1 and 3 out of every 1,000 infected children in the U.S.
- Common complications: These include ear infections, pneumonia, and diarrhea. Pneumonia occurs in about 6% of cases and is the leading cause of death from measles
- Severe complications: Encephalitis (brain inflammation) occurs in about 1 in 1,000 cases and can cause permanent brain damage or death
. A rare but fatal late complication called subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) can develop years after infection, especially in children infected before age 2
- Hospitalization: About 1 in 5 unvaccinated people with measles in the U.S. requires hospitalization due to complications
- Additional risks: Measles causes immunosuppression that can increase vulnerability to other infections for up to three years after infection
. Pregnant women with measles risk premature birth or low birth weight babies
Contagiousness and prevention
- Measles is one of the most contagious viruses known, spreading through airborne droplets and direct contact. If unvaccinated, there is a 90% chance of infection after exposure
- The measles vaccine is highly effective, providing lasting protection in 95% of children after one dose and 99% after two doses
- Vaccination has drastically reduced measles cases and deaths worldwide, preventing millions of deaths since its introduction
Summary
Measles is not just a mild rash illness; it can cause severe, life-threatening complications and death, particularly in young children and vulnerable populations. Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent measles and its dangerous consequences
