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Measles is often brushed off as just another childhood illness, but its long-term effects can be surprisingly serious. While the fever, rash, and cough may fade within weeks, the virus can leave a lasting mark on both children and adults, sometimes in ways that only become clear years later.
Dr Helen Rees, an expert in infectious diseases, explains that measles isn’t just a short-term infection—it weakens the immune system, making people more vulnerable to other diseases. “Measles can cause what we call ‘immune amnesia,’” she says. She continues to state that “It essentially erases the body’s memory of previous infections, meaning you can get sick more often, even from illnesses you were once protected against.”
A 2019 study published in Science found that this effect can last for months or even years, increasing the risk of pneumonia, diarrhoea, and other dangerous infections.
The above study claims that in rare cases, measles can lead to subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), a fatal brain condition that appears years after infection. SSPE is said to be more common in children who had measles before the age of two, slowly affecting their speech and movement, and eventually leading to coma and death. “Parents often think the worst is over when the rash disappears,” says Dr Helen, “But in rare instances, measles can come back to haunt them most tragically.” According to the World Health Organisation, SSPE is incurable and almost always fatal.
Even in adults, measles can leave permanent damage. Dr Peter Openshaw, a respiratory specialist, warns that lung infections and neurological complications can arise long after recovery. “We’ve seen cases where people develop chronic lung conditions or even vision loss because of complications from measles,” he reports. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also lists hearing loss, encephalitis (brain swelling), and pregnancy complications among the possible long-term effects.
The resurgence of measles in recent years has reignited concerns among health experts. “The MMR vaccine is one of the safest and most effective vaccines available,” says Dr Helen. “If we want to protect children and adults from these long-term complications, we need to ensure high vaccination coverage.”
While measles may seem like a thing of the past, its long-term consequences are very real. For those who have the option, the best protection remains simple—get vaccinated and stay protected.
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