A recent surge in measles cases has raised concerns among doctors about the long-term health effects of the virus. According to experts, a bout of measles can damage the immune system, leaving individuals susceptible to other pathogens for weeks after infection. This phenomenon is known as “immune amnesia,” where the immune system’s memory cells are affected, making it difficult to recognize and fight off future infections.
The virus attacks the immune system’s memory cells, which remember and protect against pathogens encountered over the course of a person’s life. This can lead to a range of complications, from mild symptoms like getting sick more easily with other viruses, to severe conditions such as brain swelling, pneumonia, and long-term lung damage.
According to Dr. Aaron Milstone, a pediatric infectious disease specialist, children who develop measles are at high risk for developing severe complications, including brain swelling, hearing and vision loss, intellectual disabilities, and permanent brain damage. Adults with weakened immune systems are also more susceptible to these complications, as well as certain types of brain swelling that can occur for up to a year after recovery.
In extremely rare cases, adults and children develop subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, a fatal disease of the central nervous system. The risk is higher among young children under 5 years old.
Vaccines provide a lifelong defense against measles, shielding individuals from both short-term and long-term risks. However, experts emphasize that community protection is key, as vaccines not only protect individuals but also prevent the spread of the virus in communities.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/14/well/measles-outbreaks-effects-complications.html