Neurological Complications of Measles (Rubeola)

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Infectious Diseases
• Immunology

Background:

• Vaccine hesitancy has led to a resurgence of measles infections in developed countries.
• Practitioners should anticipate an increase in patients presenting with neurologic complications of measles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the neurologic complications of measles, including primary measles encephalitis, acute post-measles encephalitis, subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), and measles inclusion body encephalitis (MIBE).
• To discuss recent advances in understanding measles' spread within the nervous system and potential therapeutic targets.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent advances in understanding measles neurology.
• Analysis of the mechanisms of measles spread in the central nervous system.

Main Results:

• Recent advances have improved understanding of measles' spread in the nervous system, particularly the role of F protein.
• This understanding suggests potential treatments involving fusion-inhibiting molecules.

Conclusions:

• Measles and its neurological complications are preventable through vaccination and maintaining adequate herd immunity.
• While new treatments for SSPE and MIBE are on the horizon, these remain lethal diseases.
• Neurologists play a crucial role in educating clinicians and the public about the risks of inadequate herd immunity.