This phenomenon is known as immune forgetting and can expose people to other infections for several weeks to months. Research has shown that it can take completely two to three years after measles infection for protection immunity.
“The measles virus is extremely suppressing the immune system, which means that the natural function of many white cells in the body that fight against other infections will interfere,” says Fennelly.
One of these infections is the bacterial pneumonia that causes inflammation and fluid in the lungs. About one of the five people in the United States with measles are hospitalized and one of 20 is infected with pneumonia. In some cases, patients may need supplemental oxygen or intubation and ventilation support.
At the February 28 press session, Ron Cook, chief health director at the University of Texas Technology Health Science Center, described hospitalized patients as severe symptoms, many of which experienced low oxygen and low oxygen due to inflammation in the lungs.
“The pneumonia is the most common cause of death for measles in young children,” says Edith Bracho Sanchez, Assistant Professor of Children at Colombia University of Physicians and Surgeons.
Measles can cause serious consequences in people without immunity, especially in children under the age of 5.Photo: ezra acayan/getty images
Measles can also cause severe complications called encephalitis or brain swelling, which can be fatal. If the virus is in the brain or after infection in the case of the brain, it can occur during the infection due to an over immune response. About one out of every 1,000 people who receive measles generate encephalitis. It can cause seizures and in rare cases, deafness or intellectual disability.
The measles, mumps and measles vaccines (MMR) are the best way to protect these complications. One dose of a vaccine 93 % is effective against measles and two doses are 97 % effective. The first dose is recommended for children 12 to 15 months old and the second dose is typically given between the ages of 4 and 6.
There is no antiviral treatment for measles, and while vitamin A is often infected to people with infection, it does not prevent measles or eliminate the virus. “This infection can reduce the level of vitamin A in the body,” says Brako-Sanchez. Both the World Health Organization and the US Academy of Pediatrics recommend two doses of vitamin A to children hospitalized in measles, as vitamin A deficiency can increase the risk of serious complications. However, many doses of vitamin A can be toxic.
The Minister of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said treatment with coded oil, which contains vitamin A, shows “very good results” in measles patients. But health experts warn that COD liver oil supplements can contain more vitamin A than the daily recommended amount and can also make children sick if used.
The best way to get enough vitamin A is to eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, Brako-Conscore. According to him, vaccination is the best way to protect against measles.
Updated 3-11-2025 7:37 pm GMT: Incorrect identification of quote from Glennelly is corrected.
