Measles vaccine can protect against encephalitis

Measles vaccine also protects against neurological diseases

Measles are still dismissed by some people as a harmless childhood disease, but they also affect adults. Another problem is that the dangerous infectious disease does not always heal easily and can lead to neurological diseases. Health experts say the measles vaccine can protect against neurological complications.

Highly contagious disease

Measles are highly contagious. The disease is transmitted by droplet infection. It begins with flu-like symptoms such as high fever, cough and runny nose. Later follows the characteristic rash. In general, measles weaken the immune system. As a result, it can come to, among other things, bronchitis, otitis media or pneumonia. In rare cases, the infection can be fatal. The disease is particularly dangerous in infants and toddlers. Health experts now point out that infection can also cause severe damage to the nervous system. A vaccine could provide protection here.

According to health experts, the measles vaccine can also protect against certain neurological diseases, some of which can be fatal. (Image: Stock Photos-MG / fotolia.com)

Complications of a measles infection

A measles infection does not always heal easily: in ten to 20 percent of the patients, there is a problematic development. Possible complications include serious bacterial infections as well as nervous disorders.

This is indicated by the Professional Association of Neurologists (BDN) on the portal "Neurologists and Psychiatrists on the Net".

"A measles infection can manifest itself in the central nervous system and cause various illnesses there. As a result, neurological damage may threaten deadly processes, "explains Dr. med. Curt Beil from the BDN.

Deadly consequences

A dreaded complication is the so-called acute disseminated encephalitis (ADEM), a form of encephalitis. This is extremely rare, but very dangerous.

"The disease leads to death in up to 20 percent of those affected and up to 30 percent of hearing loss or permanent neurological damage can be expected," said Dr. med. ax.

Other neurological complications include rare subacute measles inclusion body encephalitis (MIBE) and subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), which gradually destroys the brain.

Experts call for vaccination

The BDN points out that both children and adults should be immunized against measles, as recommended by the Standing Vaccination Commission (STIKO).

The vaccine is usually given with a combined measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine.

In connection with the infectious disease is repeatedly discussed a possible measles vaccination in Germany. In Italy, such was introduced a few months ago by statute.

A majority of Germans would welcome the obligation to vaccinate, but many experts are against it. They rely more on education than vaccination. (Ad)