Measles is a highly contagious and potentially deadly disease, yet it remains preventable through a safe and effective vaccine. Despite this, millions worldwide suffer lifelong complications from the virus, and some underestimate its dangers. The virus spreads easily through coughing, sneezing, or even breathing in particles from an infected person, and can remain active on surfaces or in the air for up to two hours. This extreme infectivity means a single person can potentially infect up to 18 others in a population with no immunity, while outbreaks can still spread rapidly in partially immunized communities. Transmission can occur up to four days before the characteristic rash appears, making containment difficult.
Severe complications from measles are relatively common, affecting 10–20% of cases in countries with well-resourced healthcare systems. These complications include pneumonia, convulsions, and encephalitis, with higher risks in low-income settings where malnutrition and vitamin A deficiency are prevalent. Children under five, adults over 30, and pregnant women face the greatest risks, with infection during pregnancy increasing the likelihood of miscarriage, stillbirth, or low birth weight.
Measles can also cause delayed or hidden complications. One of the most serious is subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), a rare but fatal brain disorder that can emerge years after infection. Even without such severe outcomes, measles can weaken the immune system through “immune amnesia,” reducing protection against other diseases and leaving survivors more susceptible to infections they were previously able to fight.
There is no specific antiviral treatment for measles, so management is limited to supportive care addressing fever, dehydration, and complications such as pneumonia. This underscores the critical importance of prevention through vaccination, which not only reduces infection risk but also helps prevent serious complications.
Because measles is extremely contagious, achieving herd immunity requires vaccination coverage of approximately 95%. Even small gaps in immunization allow the virus to spread quickly through clusters of unvaccinated individuals. Some people cannot be vaccinated due to age, immune disorders, or medical treatments, while others may not be fully protected despite vaccination, making high community-wide immunity essential for safeguarding vulnerable populations.
Measles outbreaks also disrupt communities beyond individual illness. Infected or exposed individuals may need isolation, healthcare workers could be sidelined, and schools may close or restrict unvaccinated students. Such measures can lead to substantial social and economic disruption, as seen in a Texas outbreak in 2025 where student absences increased by 41%, far exceeding the number of confirmed cases.
Overall, measles poses serious health risks to individuals and communities alike, highlighting the importance of maintaining high vaccination coverage, timely communication, and strong public health measures to prevent outbreaks and protect vulnerable populations.
