Is Measles Deadly? What to Know

Measles might seem like an old-fashioned disease, but did you know it’s still a present-day health threat? While most people recover without long-term effects, complications can be severe and even deadly. 

Recent outbreaks in the U.S. have sparked growing concerns, especially among parents wondering about the risks to their children and the importance of vaccination. Let’s take a close look at what the CDC says, as well as some current statistics.

Is Measles Deadly?

Although rare, measles can be deadly. It’s a highly contagious viral infection caused by the measles virus. 

It spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can also linger in the air or on surfaces for hours, making it incredibly easy to catch if you’re not vaccinated.

Another strange thing about the disease is that, once infected, the symptoms don’t usually start to appear until 10 to 14 days later. They include:

• High fever

• Runny nose

• Cough

• Red, watery eyes

• Sore throat

• Fatigue

• White spots inside the mouth (Koplik’s spots)

A few days after the initial symptoms, the infamous measles rash appears. It starts on the face and spreads downward to cover the entire body. The rash, combined with a high fever, can be quite alarming, especially in young children.

How Dangerous Is Measles?

Measles itself is unpleasant, but the real danger comes from its complications. While many people recover without issues, others can face serious health problems. Some of the most severe complications include:

1. Pneumonia

Since measles weakens the immune system, it makes it easier for bacterial infections like pneumonia to take hold. Pneumonia is actually one of the most lethal complications; it accounts for the highest number of measles-related deaths.

2. Encephalitis

This is a rare, but severe complication where the brain becomes inflamed. Encephalitis can cause seizures, confusion, and even permanent brain damage. While it only affects about 1 in 1,000 measles patients, the consequences can be lifelong.

3. Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE)

SSPE is a rare but fatal condition that can appear years after a measles infection. It causes progressive brain damage, leading to memory loss, muscle spasms, and eventually death. While extremely uncommon, it highlights the long-term risks of measles.

4. Immune System Damage

Measles doesn’t just make you sick temporarily—it can weaken your immune system for years. This phenomenon, called immune amnesia, wipes out previously built-up immunity, making people more susceptible to other infections long after recovering from measles.

Measle Cases In 2025

When you read the headlines in the mainstream media, it appears as though there’s a global epidemic. Certainly, measles isn’t something to take lightly. But, it’s also important for us to do our own research. Let’s look at some facts and stats from the CDC. 

As of February 27, 2025, 164 cases were reported by nine states:

• Alaska

• California

• Georgia

• Kentucky

• New Jersey

• New Mexico

• New York City

• Rhode Island

• Texas

So far, there has only been one confirmed death from measles. And, while even one death is one death too many, we hope this will provide some perspective on those somewhat misleading headlines. 

Measles Vaccine: The Best Defense

The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones is through vaccination. The measles vaccine is part of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine, which has been used for decades and is highly effective. The CDC says that most adults born in 1957 or later should get at least one dose of the MMR vaccine. 

Measles Vaccine Age Recommendations

Here are the measles vaccine age guidelines, again, according to the CDC:

• First dose: 12 to 15 months old

• Second dose: 4 to 6 years old

For those traveling internationally, babies as young as 6 months may receive an early dose, but they will still need the full two-dose series later.

The MMR vaccine is about 97% effective after two doses, making it one of the most successful vaccines available. It not only protects individuals, but also helps prevent future outbreaks.

Measles Treatment: What Happens if You Get Infected?

Since it’s a virus, there’s no specific treatment for measles. Care focuses on relieving the symptoms and preventing additional complications. Common treatments include:

• Rest and Hydration: Helps the body fight the virus.

• Fever Reducers: Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help manage fever.

• Vitamin A Supplements: The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a daily dose of vitamin A for children who live in areas with a deficiency in this nutrient.

• Antibiotics: If a bacterial infection like pneumonia develops, antibiotics may be necessary.

Because measles is highly contagious, people who are infected should stay isolated until at least four days after the rash appears. This will help to prevent the spread of the virus.

Let’s Take Care of One Another

While measles isn’t always deadly, it can lead to severe complications that put lives at risk. Pneumonia, encephalitis, and long-term immune system damage are real dangers, especially for young children, pregnant women, and people who are immunocompromised.

If you’ve never been vaccinated, or are uncertain, speak to your doctor about it. While vaccines have become a highly contentious subject, this one has been around for decades and there’s evidence to support it’s saved lives. 

Still, what matters is that we make the best decisions for ourselves and take care of one another. As we do so, keep coming back for more of the latest headlines and additional research on ways we can stay well.