Measles: Understanding the Risks and the Role of Vaccination
Measles is more than just a childhood illness; it carries severe health risks that can have long-lasting effects. One notable phenomenon associated with the disease is immune amnesia, which can leave individuals vulnerable to various infections for several weeks to months following recovery from measles. Research indicates that full protective immunity can take two to three years to regenerate after a measles infection.
The Impact of Measles on Immunity
The measles virus is highly immunosuppressive. According to experts, it interferes with the functionality of numerous white blood cells responsible for combating other infections. This impairment can lead to increased susceptibility to secondary infections, notably bacterial pneumonia.
Hospitalization and Severe Complications
In the United States, about one in five individuals infected with measles will require hospitalization. Among these cases, approximately five percent will develop pneumonia, a serious condition characterized by inflammation and fluid accumulation in the lungs. Hospitalized individuals often exhibit severe symptoms, including dehydration and low oxygen levels. Ron Cook, the chief health officer at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, described many patients as suffering from these debilitating conditions due to inflammation in their lungs.
“Pneumonia is the most common cause of death for measles in young children,” warns Edith Bracho-Sanchez, an assistant professor of pediatrics at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons.
Potential Neurological Consequences
Another critical complication of measles is encephalitis, or swelling of the brain. This condition can be fatal and may occur during or after a measles infection due to the virus’s effects on the brain or an overreactive immune response. It’s concerning that approximately one in every 1,000 measles cases leads to encephalitis, which may result in convulsions or even lead to long-term disabilities such as hearing loss and intellectual impairment.
The Importance of Vaccination
The most effective method for preventing measles and its complications is vaccination. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine provides robust protection, with one dose achieving a 93 percent efficacy rate against measles and two doses improving this figure to 97 percent. Health authorities recommend administering the first dose to children between the ages of 12 and 15 months, followed by a second dose typically between ages four and six.
Currently, no antiviral treatments exist for measles. Health professionals sometimes administer vitamin A to infected patients; although it doesn’t cure measles or eliminate the virus, it is crucial for managing the nutritional deficiencies caused by the infection. The World Health Organization and the American Academy of Pediatrics advocate for vitamin A supplementation in hospitalized children with measles to reduce the risk of severe complications, albeit with caution regarding potential vitamin A toxicity.
Dietary Considerations and Caution Against Supplements
While some have suggested treatments such as cod liver oil, which is high in vitamin A, health experts stress caution. Excessive intake of vitamin A can be harmful to children, and individuals should aim to achieve adequate nutrition through a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables instead.
Dr. Bracho-Sanchez emphasizes that vaccination stands as the paramount safeguard against measles and its severe outcomes. Maintaining high vaccination coverage is essential to protect both individuals and communities against this preventable disease.