Complications of measles: a case series

Thelma Xerri1, Nicola Darmanin2, Maria Alessandra Zammit3

  • 1Department of Medicine, Mater Dei Hospital, Msida, Malta thelmaxerri@gmail.com.

BMJ Case Reports
|February 19, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Measles is re-emerging globally due to decreased herd immunity from anti-vaccination campaigns. This case series highlights severe measles complications, emphasizing the need for worldwide vaccine education and compliance.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health
  • Virology

Background:

  • Measles, a viral infection, was nearly eliminated by vaccination but is now re-emerging globally.
  • Anti-vaccination campaigns have reduced herd immunity, leading to increased measles cases in adolescents and adults.
  • Measles complications can range from mild symptoms to fatal multiorgan involvement.

Observation:

  • A case series from Malta in 2019 reported three patients with measles complications.
  • Complications ranged from mild symptoms to severe multi-organ involvement requiring high-dependency care.

Findings:

  • Measles virus can cause a spectrum of illness, including potentially fatal outcomes.
  • Global measles incidence, particularly in Europe, shows an exponential increase.

Implications:

  • Urgent need for enhanced vaccine education and adherence to the two-dose measles vaccination schedule worldwide.
  • Re-emergence of measles poses a significant public health threat, necessitating renewed vaccination efforts.

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