
Dangers of contagious measles disease
Measles disease can be severe and even fatal, especially for young children.
It is the leading cause of death in young children worldwide.
In Summary
Measles is a dangerous virus that has no cure and can lead to a host of complications, including pneumonia and brain swelling. It can be deadly.
Vaccination rates must be 95% or higher for the broader population to be protected, but several communities where the virus is spreading have rates well below that.
The measles rash may last about seven days. The rash gradually fades first from the face and last from the thighs and feet. As other symptoms of the illness go away, the cough and darkening or peeling of the skin where the rash was may stay for about 10 days.
Measles disease can be severe and even fatal, especially for young children.