Scientists detail damage of measles

Scientists have revealed how measles causes long-term damage to the immune system, leaving children vulnerable to other dangerous infections.

Measles Cell.

Scientists have revealed how measles causes long-term damage to the immune system, leaving children vulnerable to other dangerous infections.

Research shows that measles “resets” the immune system, reducing it to an “immature baby-like state” with a limited ability to respond to diseases. After catching the virus, children can show signs of immune suppression for up to five years. In some cases the effect is comparable to being dosed with strong immunosuppressants.

The st udy helps explain why children often catch other diseases after measles and shows the importance of vaccination. It also explains why when countries adopt the measles jab, child deaths plummet much further than eradicating measles alone would predict.

The Times