Measles Complications

Complications from Measles can occur in 10-20% of people. 

Many organ systems may be affected, but respiratory (breathing) and gastrointestinal (stomach and bowels) are most common. 

• Ear infections affect 1 in 10 

• Diarrhoea affects 1 in 10  

• Pneumonia affects 1 in 20 and is the most common cause of death from measles in young children  

• In the US, 1 in 5 unvaccinated people that get measles are hospitalised from it.  

Measles can also cause more serious complications that can lead to life altering conditions. 

• Measles is currently the leading cause for childhood blindness globally.   

• 1 in 1000 develop Encephalitis, this is swelling of the brain. It can cause permanent damage resulting in deafness and learning disabilities. 

• – SSPE (Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis) is a rare but serious degenerative disease of the central nervous system involving seizures and a decline in motor, cognitive and behavioural function. It affects about 1 in 25,000 people with measles and usually develops 7-10 year after infection. SSPE is fatal and currently there is no cure.  

Since the start of 2025 there have been 529 confirmed cases of Measles in England. Measles is 10 times more infectious than Covid-19, meaning from one infected person a further 15-20 people will be infected.  

Vaccinations are not only about protecting the individual but about protecting the wider community. When a high percentage of the population is vaccinated, it is difficult for the infection to spread because there are not many people who can be infected. This is called herd immunity. People that are particularly vulnerable to disease rely on herd immunity to protect them.   

The MMR vaccine is highly effective and is the best protection against Measles. Two doses provide long lasting protection against Measles, Mumps and Rubella in over 99% of individuals.