Hypoxemic respiratory failure complicating nosocomial measles in a healthy host

Since 1983 there has been a steady increase in the number of cases of measles reported to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and recent large-scale outbreaks have heightened public awareness. Although mortality from measles is considered rare, systemic complications occur frequently. This case highlights the significant morbidity and potential mortality of measles infection in a normal adult host who did not meet CDC guidelines for measles vaccination.