From the Guidelines
Measles can cause encephalitis, which is a serious complication that affects the brain, but it does not directly cause meningitis, although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably in a clinical context. Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can lead to severe complications, particularly in infants, young children, and adults 1. The disease can be severe and is most frequently complicated by diarrhea, middle ear infection, or bronchopneumonia.
- Encephalitis occurs in approximately one of every 1,000 reported cases, and survivors of this complication often have permanent brain damage and mental retardation 1.
- Death occurs in 1-2 of every 1,000 reported measles cases in the United States, with the most common causes of death being pneumonia and acute encephalitis 1.
- The risk for death from measles or its complications is greater for infants, young children, and adults than for older children and adolescents 1. It is essential to note that while measles does not directly cause meningitis, the terms encephalitis and meningitis are sometimes used interchangeably in a clinical context, and measles can lead to serious neurological complications.
- The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine is highly effective at preventing measles infection and its complications 1.
- Treatment for measles complications, including encephalitis, is primarily supportive care, including rest, fluids, anti-inflammatory medications, and sometimes anticonvulsants if seizures occur 1.
From the Research
Measles and Meningitis
- Measles is a highly contagious disease that can cause various complications, including neurological complications such as acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, measles inclusion body encephalitis, and subacute sclerosing panencephalitis 2, 3, 4.
- While meningitis is not explicitly mentioned as a common complication of measles in most studies, one case report describes a patient with modified measles who developed aseptic meningitis and subsequent optic neuritis 5.
- This suggests that measles can, in rare cases, cause meningitis or meningitis-like symptoms, although it is not a typical complication of the disease.
Complications of Measles
- Measles can cause a range of complications, including otitis media, pneumonia, diarrhea, and acute encephalitis 2, 3, 4.
- Neurological complications, such as acute disseminated encephalomyelitis and subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, can occur during or after the acute disease 2, 3.
- Measles can also lead to immune suppression, making patients more susceptible to secondary infections 6.
Diagnosis and Treatment
- Measles is typically diagnosed based on clinical symptoms and can be confirmed with laboratory testing, such as serologic tests or polymerase chain reaction 6.
- There is no specific antiviral treatment for measles, and treatment is largely supportive, including vitamin A supplementation and monitoring for secondary infections 2, 6.