Complications and Risks of Measles

Most children recover from measles. But complications are common, especially under 5 years, in malnutrition and in adults, and can be fatal.

Common complications

• Diarrhoea and dehydration: the most frequent. It can need hospital drips.
• Ear infection (otitis media): can cause earache and may lead to hearing loss.
• Pneumonia: the leading cause of measles deaths in children
• Croup and bronchitis: noisy breathing and barking cough
• Eye problems: red eyes, corneal ulcers and, with vitamin A deficiency, blindness

Serious complications

• Encephalitis: brain inflammation, in about 1 in 1,000 cases. It can cause fits, deafness and lasting brain damage.
• Severe malnutrition: weight loss and poor growth after the illness
• Immune amnesia: the immune system is weakened for months to years, so other infections are more likely
• SSPE: a rare, fatal brain disease appearing 7 to 10 years later, more likely after measles in infancy

In pregnancy

Measles raises the chance of miscarriage, premature birth and low birth weight.

Who is at highest risk

• Children under 5 and adults over 20
• Malnourished children and those low in vitamin A
• People with weak immunity
• Pregnant women

Reducing the risk

• Vaccinate on schedule
• See a doctor for any fever with rash
• Give vitamin A as the doctor advises
• Keep fluids up and watch for danger signs

Emergency (112 or 102)

Fast breathing, fits, confusion, severe dehydration, or fever lasting beyond 3 days after the rash.