The United States has seen a surge in measles cases in 2025, surpassing the total number of cases reported in 2024. Outbreaks have been observed in New Mexico and Texas, with Seminole, Texas, being highlighted in the image. Eighty cases of measles, including one death, have been reported in Gaines County. (Photo by Jan Sonnenmair/Getty Images)
Since the measles vaccine successfully eradicated measles from the U.S. in 2000, the public may have forgotten about the severity of the disease, including the concept of “immune amnesia.” With measles making a comeback in the country, with 320 cases across 16 states this year due to declining vaccination rates, it serves as a stark reminder of the short-term and long-term consequences of measles, including “immune amnesia” and SSPE.
Immediate Complications Of Measles
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides alarming statistics about measles:
- One in five unvaccinated individuals with measles in the U.S. requires hospitalization
- One in twenty children with measles develops pneumonia
- One in every 1,000 children with measles experiences encephalitis
- Nearly one to three out of every 1,000 children infected with measles die from complications
Additionally, measles during pregnancy can lead to premature birth or low birth weight.
‘Immune Amnesia’ From Measles
Measles not only impacts the body during infection but also has long-lasting effects on the immune system. The virus targets and destroys immune cells, leading to a phenomenon known as “immune amnesia.” A study published in Science in 2019 revealed that measles infection can decimate antibodies by 11% to 73%, affecting immunity against various pathogens. This leaves the immune system vulnerable and in a state of relearning and rebuilding defenses.
Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis From Measles
Weekly measles cases in the US since January 2023, according to CDC data. (Graphic by Janis LATVELS and Nicholas SHEARMAN / AFP via Getty Images)
Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a rare but devastating long-term complication of measles, typically occurring seven to ten years after infection. SSPE causes progressive brain inflammation, leading to cognitive decline, coma, and eventually death. There is no cure for SSPE, emphasizing the importance of measles prevention through vaccination.
Preventing measles not only avoids immediate complications but also protects against long-term consequences like “immune amnesia” and SSPE. The measles vaccine, highly effective with over 97% efficacy after two doses, played a crucial role in eliminating measles in 2000. Maintaining high vaccination rates is essential to prevent the resurgence of measles outbreaks.
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Rewritten sentence: “The research study found a positive relationship between exercise and improved mental health.”
