Can measles infection cause complications in a non-vaccinated 4-year-old?

Question

Hello doctor,

My niece is 4 years old and was traveling continuously for the last six months to different places along with her mom. I saw her two days back when she returned home, she was not keeping well. She had a sore throat, fever, cold, skin rashes, and red eyes. So, they immediately took her to the hospital and the doctor said it was measles infection after seeing her rashes. We did not keep her vaccinated for measles. Now, we are totally worried, will this infection cause any complications? Now she is getting better but will this recur? Can the vaccination be done now? Does this disease spread to others?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I am sorry to hear about your niece's illness. Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that can cause serious complications, especially in young children. The good news is that most people recover fully from measles without any long-term effects. However, in rare cases, measles can lead to complications such as pneumonia, ear infections, brain inflammation (encephalitis), and even death. Infants, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of complications from measles. It is important to note that measles is a vaccine-preventable disease, and the measles vaccine is highly effective in preventing infection. The Centers for disease control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children receive two doses of the measles vaccine, the first dose at 12 to 15 months of age and the second dose at four to six years of age. If your niece has already been infected with measles, she may not need to be vaccinated at this time. However, you should talk to your doctor about the best course of action. Measles is highly contagious and can easily spread to others through coughing and sneezing. It is important to take precautions to prevent the spread of the virus, such as keeping your niece isolated from others who are not vaccinated, washing hands frequently, and covering coughs and sneezes. If you or anyone in your family has not been vaccinated for measles, it is important to talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated. Vaccination not only protects you from measles but also helps prevent the spread of the virus in the community.

Thank you.