A growing outbreak in West Texas has hospitalized 29 people, mostly young children.
TEXAS, USA — Multiple measles outbreaks are raising new concerns about the virus and its long-term health effects, according to an NBC News report.
A growing outbreak in West Texas has hospitalized 29 people, mostly young children. At least two have died.
Experts say hundreds more may be infected.
Measles isn’t just a rash. It can also cause serious complications. Some people develop pneumonia or swelling in the brain.
And, in rare cases, the virus lingers for years and leads to a fatal brain disease.
It also weakens the immune system, a condition called “immune amnesia.” That means even after recovering from measles, people lose built-up protection against other diseases like the flu or pneumonia. Researchers say this could explain why measles was once a leading cause of childhood deaths.
Experts warn that as outbreaks become more common, so will long-term health risks.
The best protection is the measles vaccine, which is 97% effective with two doses.
