Measles is highly contagious. The measles virus infection regularly leaves a temporary weakening of the body’s defenses, during which other bacterial infections, middle ear infections and diarrhea occur.
Another complication is encephalitis, which even today has a high mortality and defect healing rate.
Malignant encephalitis, which occurs years later but is very rare, is gradual and fatal, and is attributed to measles disease in infancy or childhood.
Vaccination: live vaccine, live attenuated virus, injection into muscle. Vaccination should be given as a combination vaccination against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
Who should get vaccinated?
- All children,
- unvaccinated or once vaccinated children as well as
- Unvaccinated persons caring for children with contact with persons ill with measles (within 3 days, if possible).
Timing of vaccination:
First vaccination between the completed 11th and 14th month of life, if possible by the end of the 2nd year of life. In some circumstances, the initial vaccination may be given before 12 months of age, but not before 9 months of age.
If the first vaccination was given before 12 months of age, the 2nd MMR vaccination must be given at the beginning of the 2nd year of life. The 2nd MMR vaccination can be given as early as 4 weeks (= minimum interval) after the 1st vaccination and should be given as early as possible.
Common vaccine reactions:
Generally good tolerance. Fever and skin rash (vaccine maser) possible. Its course is much easier compared to natural measles. Rarely, febrile convulsions.