Measles – Why Is It So Dangerous? Symptoms, Complications, and the Importance of Vaccination
Measles is a highly contagious and potentially fatal viral disease. Although vaccinations have significantly reduced the number of deaths worldwide, the virus still circulates and poses a real threat – in 2021 alone, approximately 128,000 deaths were recorded due to the virus.
What Are the Symptoms of Measles?
An infection typically lasts between 7 to 10 days, but its course can be very severe. Typical symptoms include:
- High fever.
- Runny nose and cough.
- Conjunctivitis (red, watery eyes).
- A characteristic rash covering the entire body.
Serious Complications and Long-term Effects
One in five infected people develops serious complications. These are particularly dangerous for children under 5 and adults over 30. The most common complications include:
- Pneumonia and ear infections (which can lead to hearing loss).
- Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).
- Loss of vision.
- A weakened immune system, making it harder to fight off other pathogens for months or even years.
For pregnant women, measles carries the risk of miscarriage, premature birth, or low birth weight for the newborn.
The Only Effective Way to Protect Yourself: Vaccination
The measles vaccine is safe and highly effective. Receiving two doses provides full, lifelong protection for approximately 99% of individuals.
To prevent the spread of the virus within a population (herd immunity), a vaccination coverage level of at least 95% is required. Remember, by vaccinating yourself and your children, you are also protecting those who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons.
Ensure your family's safety – check your measles vaccination status today!