The phenomenon is known as immune amnesia, and it can leave people vulnerable to other infections for several weeks to months. Research has shown that it can take Two to three years After an infection of measles so that protective immunity returns fully.
“The measles virus is strongly immunosuppressive, which means that it will interfere with the normal function many white cells of the body which fight against other infections,” explains Fennelly.
One of these infections is bacterial pneumonia, which causes inflammation and an accumulation of liquid in the lungs. About one in five people get sick with measles in the United States is hospitalized, and one in 20 will develop pneumonia. In some cases, patients may need oxygen or additional intubation and fan support.
In a February 28 Press SweingRon Cook, Director of Health at Tech University Health Center in Lubbock, described hospitalized patients as having serious symptoms, many of whom also suffer from dehydration and low oxygen levels due to the inflammation of the lungs.
“Pneumonia is the most common cause of death for measles in young children,” explains Edith Bracho-Sanchez, assistant pediatric professor at Columbia University Vacelos College of Physicians and Surgeons.
Measles can cause serious complications in those without immunity, especially in children under the age of 5.Photography: Ezra Acayan / Getty Images
Measles can also cause a serious complication called encephalitis, or swelling of the brain, which can be fatal. Encephalitis can occur during an infection if the virus goes to the brain, or after an infection if the brain is ignited due to a hyperactive immune response. About one in 1,000 children who obtain measles will develop encephalitis. The condition can cause convulsions and in rare cases, deafness or intellectual impairment.
The measles vaccine, mumps and rubella (MMR) is the best way to protect yourself from these complications. One dose of the vaccine is 93% effective against measles, and two doses are 97% effective. The first dose is recommended for children aged 12 to 15 months, and the second dose is generally given between 4 and 6 years old.
There are no antiviral treatments available for measles, and although vitamin A is often given to infected people, it does not prevent measles and does not kill the virus. “The infection itself can exhaust vitamin A levels in the body,” says Bracho-Sanchez. The World Health Organization and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend two doses of vitamin A for children hospitalized with measles, as vitamin A deficiency can increase the risk of serious complications. However, large doses of vitamin A can be toxic.
The secretary of health and social services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. suggested that treatment with cod liver oil, which contains vitamin A, shows “very, very good results” in patients with measles. But health experts warn that cod liver oil supplements may contain more vitamin A than the recommended daily quantity and can also make sick children if they take too much.
Bracho-sanchez says the best way to have adequate levels of vitamin A is to take a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Vaccination, she says, remains the best way to protect yourself from measles.
Updated 3-11-2025 19:37 GMT: poor identification of a quote from Glenn Fennelly has been corrected.
