Discover potential long-term complications, including effects on the brain, lungs, & immune system. Learn how to prevent measles today.

Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Lenoir, NC, is a gateway to outdoor adventures like those at Hibriten Mountain and Wilson Creek. Whether you’re exploring local art at Tucker’s Gallery or grabbing a bite at Piccolo’s Italian Restaurant, public outings increase the risk of exposure to illnesses like measles.

While measles is often thought of as a temporary illness that resolves in a week or two, it can lead to severe and lasting health complications. The virus can weaken the immune system and cause serious long-term effects on the brain, lungs, and overall immune function. Recognizing early symptoms and understanding how to prevent infection is essential for keeping your family healthy and protected.

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What Are the Potential Long-Term Effects of Measles?

Although measles symptoms typically subside after 7 to 10 days, the virus can leave a lasting impact on the body. Some complications may arise immediately, while others develop years after the initial infection. The most concerning long-term effects include the following.

Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE): A Delayed, Fatal Brain Disorder

One of the most devastating long-term complications of measles is subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), a rare but fatal condition that affects the brain. SSPE can develop years after a measles infection, even in individuals who appeared to recover fully.

• SSPE occurs when the measles virus remains in the brain and slowly causes inflammation and degeneration of brain tissue.
• Symptoms typically appear 6 to 10 years after infection, often beginning with mild behavioral changes, memory problems, and difficulty with coordination.
• As the disease progresses, it leads to seizures, muscle spasms, vision loss, and eventually coma.
• SSPE is always fatal, with most individuals succumbing within one to three years of diagnosis.

While SSPE is rare, affecting approximately 1 in 10,000 measles cases, it is more common in individuals who contracted measles before the age of two. The risk of SSPE reinforces the importance of childhood vaccination.

Encephalitis: Brain Inflammation Leading to Neurological Issues

Another serious measles complication is encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain that can cause long-term neurological problems.

• 1 in 1,000 people with measles will develop encephalitis, which can occur during the initial infection or months later.
• Symptoms include high fever, confusion, seizures, and coma.
• In severe cases, encephalitis can lead to permanent brain damage, causing cognitive impairment, muscle weakness, or hearing loss.

Immediate medical attention is crucial for anyone showing signs of encephalitis after a measles infection.

Weakened Immune System: How Measles Causes “Immune Amnesia”

Even after recovery, measles can leave the immune system in a weakened state, increasing susceptibility to other infections. This phenomenon, known as immune amnesia, occurs because measles wipes out immune memory cells that help the body recognize and fight off diseases.

• Studies show that measles can erase up to 70% of a person’s immune memory, making them vulnerable to infections they had previously built immunity against.
• This weakened immunity can last for months or even years, leading to an increased risk of bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, and even life-threatening conditions like tuberculosis.
• Children who contract measles are at higher risk for severe infections later in life, even after they have seemingly recovered.

Other Serious Complications: Lung and Ear Damage

In addition to brain-related complications, measles can also lead to long-term damage in the respiratory system and ears.

• Pneumonia: The most common cause of measles-related death, pneumonia develops in about 1 in 20 children with measles. Severe cases can cause permanent lung scarring or chronic respiratory issues.
• Chronic Ear Infections and Hearing Loss: Measles can lead to severe ear infections, which may result in permanent hearing loss if left untreated. Around 1 in 10 children with measles develops an ear infection, which can sometimes lead to long-term hearing damage.

How to Prevent Measles Complications

The best way to prevent measles and its complications is through vaccination. The MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine is highly effective, preventing 97% of measles cases with two doses.

Other preventive measures include:

• Early detection and treatment of measles symptoms to reduce the risk of complications.
• Good hygiene practices, such as frequent handwashing, to limit the spread of infection.
• Seeking immediate medical attention if symptoms of pneumonia, encephalitis, or other complications arise.

While measles is often dismissed as a childhood illness, it can lead to severe, lifelong complications affecting the brain, lungs, immune system, and hearing. Conditions like SSPE, encephalitis, pneumonia, and immune amnesia highlight why measles should not be taken lightly. The most effective way to protect against these dangers is through vaccination and public health efforts to prevent outbreaks. If you or a loved one experiences symptoms of measles or related complications, seek medical attention promptly to minimize risks and ensure proper care.