Creator: Jaylee Kemp
Published: 2021-08-30T17:44:25Z
Keywords: immune system

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that spreads through the air or contact with the infected person. Although it was almost eradicated due to the development of a vaccine, there has been a recent rise in measles outbreaks globally.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were 1,282 reported cases of measles in the United States in 2019, and the number is increasing in 2021.

Symptoms of measles

Measles symptoms can range from mild to severe and usually appear within 14 days of exposure to the virus. The symptoms include:.

High fever
Cough
Runny nose
Red, watery eyes
Rash that starts on the face and spreads to other parts of the body
Koplik spots (small red spots with a blue-white center) inside the mouth

Complications of measles

While most people recover from measles without complications, some may experience severe symptoms, especially infants, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems. The complications of measles include:.

Ear infection
Pneumonia
Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)
Seizures
Death

Measles weakens the immune system

Measles not only causes symptoms but also weakens the immune system, making the infected person more vulnerable to other infections. The virus targets immune cells, particularly T cells, which play a crucial role in fighting infections.

According to a study published in the journal Science in 2015, measles virus infection leads to depletion of T cells in the immune system memory, which means that the immune system loses its ability to recognize and respond to previously encountered pathogens. This effect, called “immune amnesia,” can last up to several years after the infection, increasing the risk of other infections, especially in children under the age of five.

Measles increases the risk of other infections

Due to the weakening of the immune system, people with measles are more likely to develop other infections, especially bacterial infections.

According to a study published in The Lancet in 2019, children with measles have an increased risk of developing pneumonia, which can be life-threatening, especially in developing countries where access to healthcare is limited.

In addition, measles can also cause a “measles-induced immune suppression,” which impairs the ability of the immune system to fight other diseases.

For example, a study published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases in 2003 showed that measles infection in children increased the susceptibility to other respiratory infections by up to two years after the infection.

Measles vaccination

Measles vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles and its complications. The vaccine, which is safe and highly effective, is usually given in two doses: the first at the age of 12-15 months and the second at the age of 4-6 years.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), measles vaccination has led to a 80% reduction in deaths from measles between 2000 and 2019, and it is estimated to have prevented more than 30 million deaths worldwide since 2000.

However, the rise of the anti-vaccine movement, which promotes misinformation and fear about vaccines, has led to a decrease in measles vaccination rates, leading to the resurgence of measles outbreaks in many countries.

Conclusion

Measles is a serious viral infection that not only causes symptoms but also weakens the immune system, making the infected person more vulnerable to other infections.

The virus can cause immune amnesia, which impairs the ability of the immune system to fight other diseases, and can increase the risk of bacterial infections, especially pneumonia. Measles vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles and its complications, and it has saved millions of lives worldwide.