Measles: Symptoms, Complications, and Importance of Vaccination
What is Measles?
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection caused by the Measles Morbillivirus. It spreads through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Measles is preventable through vaccination but remains a serious global health concern, especially in areas with low vaccine coverage.
Symptoms of Measles
Measles symptoms usually appear 10–14 days after exposure and progress in stages:
Early Symptoms (Prodromal Phase) – 2 to 4 Days
✅ High fever (often above 39°C)
✅ Cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
✅ Koplik’s spots – Small white spots inside the cheeks, a hallmark sign
Rash Stage (3–5 Days After Symptoms Begin)
Red, blotchy rash that starts on the face and spreads downward to the rest of the body
The rash lasts about a week before fading
Complications of Measles
While measles is often seen as a childhood illness, it can cause severe complications, especially in young children and immunocompromised individuals.
Common Complications:
Ear infections (can lead to hearing loss)
Diarrhoea and dehydration
Severe Complications:
Pneumonia (leading cause of death in measles cases)
Encephalitis (brain inflammation) – 1 in 1,000 cases, can cause seizures, brain damage, or death
Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE) – A rare but fatal brain disorder that can develop years after infection
Pregnancy Risks:
Miscarriage, preterm birth, and low birth weight if infected during pregnancy
Age Group at Risk
Children under 5 years are at the highest risk for severe complications.
Adults without immunity can also develop severe disease.
Pregnant women are at risk for complications.
Immunocompromised individuals (e.g., cancer patients, transplant recipients) are highly vulnerable.
Importance of Vaccination
The MMR Vaccine (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
The MMR vaccine is highly effective in preventing measles and its complications.
UK Vaccination Schedule
1st dose: At 12-15 months
2nd dose: At 3-5 years (before starting school)
🌍 Herd Immunity
At least 95% vaccination coverage is needed to prevent outbreaks.
Protects those who cannot be vaccinated (e.g., new-borns, immunocompromised).
Key Takeaways
✔️ Measles is highly contagious and can cause severe complications.
✔️ Vaccination is the best protection against measles and its complications.
✔️ The MMR vaccine is safe, effective, and provides lifelong immunity in most cases.
✔️ High vaccination rates help prevent outbreaks and protect vulnerable groups.
References & Further Reading
WHO – Measles Information: www.who.int
CDC – Measles Overview: www.cdc.gov/measles
NHS – MMR Vaccine: www.nhs.uk
Dr Geranmayeh
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection caused by the Measles Morbillivirus. It spreads through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Measles is preventable through vaccination but remains a serious global health concern, especially in areas with low vaccine coverage.
Symptoms of Measles
Measles symptoms usually appear 10–14 days after exposure and progress in stages:
Early Symptoms (Prodromal Phase) – 2 to 4 Days
✅ High fever (often above 39°C)
✅ Cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
✅ Koplik’s spots – Small white spots inside the cheeks, a hallmark sign
Rash Stage (3–5 Days After Symptoms Begin)
Red, blotchy rash that starts on the face and spreads downward to the rest of the body
The rash lasts about a week before fading
Complications of Measles
While measles is often seen as a childhood illness, it can cause severe complications, especially in young children and immunocompromised individuals.
Common Complications:
Ear infections (can lead to hearing loss)
Diarrhoea and dehydration
Severe Complications:
Pneumonia (leading cause of death in measles cases)
Encephalitis (brain inflammation) – 1 in 1,000 cases, can cause seizures, brain damage, or death
Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE) – A rare but fatal brain disorder that can develop years after infection
Pregnancy Risks:
Miscarriage, preterm birth, and low birth weight if infected during pregnancy
Age Group at Risk
Children under 5 years are at the highest risk for severe complications.
Adults without immunity can also develop severe disease.
Pregnant women are at risk for complications.
Immunocompromised individuals (e.g., cancer patients, transplant recipients) are highly vulnerable.
Importance of Vaccination
The MMR Vaccine (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
The MMR vaccine is highly effective in preventing measles and its complications.
UK Vaccination Schedule
1st dose: At 12-15 months
2nd dose: At 3-5 years (before starting school)
🌍 Herd Immunity
At least 95% vaccination coverage is needed to prevent outbreaks.
Protects those who cannot be vaccinated (e.g., new-borns, immunocompromised).
Key Takeaways
✔️ Measles is highly contagious and can cause severe complications.
✔️ Vaccination is the best protection against measles and its complications.
✔️ The MMR vaccine is safe, effective, and provides lifelong immunity in most cases.
✔️ High vaccination rates help prevent outbreaks and protect vulnerable groups.
References & Further Reading
WHO – Measles Information: www.who.int
CDC – Measles Overview: www.cdc.gov/measles
NHS – MMR Vaccine: www.nhs.uk
Dr Geranmayeh