7. Post-Measles Complications: Beyond the Rash
While the characteristic rash and fever are the hallmarks of measles, the aftermath of the disease can be more sinister. Measles, though primarily a respiratory virus, can affect multiple organ systems, leading to a range of post-infection complications.
Children, especially under the age of 5, are particularly vulnerable. Complications can range from diarrhea, which can be severe and lead to dehydration, to more serious conditions like ear infections which might result in permanent hearing loss. And that’s just scratching the surface.
The nervous system isn’t spared either. Encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain, is a rare but potentially fatal complication of measles. It underscores the multifaceted nature of this virus and its ability to wreak havoc beyond its primary site of infection.
Diving deeper into these complications paints a comprehensive picture. It shifts the narrative from mere prevention to understanding the broader spectrum of implications that measles can have on overall health. (7)
