This is how measles kills

The phenomenon, known as immune amnesia, can leave people vulnerable to other infections within weeks to months. Research shows that this may require Two to three years After measles infection, protect against immune system.

“The measles virus has a strong immunosuppressive effect, which means it interferes with the normal function of many white blood cells that fight other infections,” Fennelly said.

One of these infections is bacterial pneumonia, which causes inflammation in the lungs and fluid accumulation. In the United States, about one in five people are sick, and one in half will develop pneumonia. In some cases, the patient may need supplemental oxygen or cannula and ventilator support.

exist February 28 press conferenceRon Cook, chief health officer at the Texas Tech Center for Health Sciences, Lubbock described the hospitalized patients as severe symptoms, many of whom also caused dehydration and low oxygen levels due to inflammation in the lungs.

“Pneumonia is the most common cause of death for measles in young children,” said Edith Bracho Sanchez, assistant professor of pediatrics at the School of Physicians and Surgeons at Columbia University.

Measles can also cause serious complications, called encephalitis or brain swelling, which can be fatal. If the virus spreads to the brain, encephalitis may occur during the infection, and if it becomes inflamed due to an overactive immune response, encephalitis will occur after infection. About one out of every 1,000 sick children develop encephalitis. This condition can cause convulsions, and in rare cases, deafness or intellectual disability.

Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccines are the best ways to prevent these complications. The vaccine for one dose is 93% effective, and the vaccine for two doses is 97%. The first dose is recommended for children between 12 and 15 months of age, and the second dose is usually given between 4 and 6 years of age.

There is no antiviral treatment for measles, and while vitamin A is usually provided to infected people, it does not prevent measles or kill the virus. “Infection itself can deplete levels of vitamin A in the body,” Bracho-Sanchez said. Both the World Health Organization and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend two doses of vitamin A to children hospitalized with measles, because vitamin A deficiency can increase the risk of serious complications. However, high doses of vitamin A can be toxic.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. But health experts warn that cod liver oil supplements can contain more vitamin A than recommended daily amounts, which can also make children sick if they take too much.

Bracho-Sanchez said the best way to have enough levels of vitamin A is to eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. She said vaccination is still the best way to prevent measles.

GMT updated 3-11-2025: Corrected misidentification of Glenn Fennelly’s quote.