Analysis of Texas measles outbreak shows just how dangerous virus is

Among 54 hospitalized measles patients, only six had underlying medical conditions that could increase risk, and none were immunocompromised. Forty-seven patients developed measles complications, most commonly pneumonia, dehydration, and diarrhea. Seventeen patients developed co-infections with other pathogens, and 28 received antibiotics. Supplemental oxygen was needed for 38 patients, and hypoxia occurred in 37. Four children required intensive care, including two who needed intubation and mechanical ventilation. One child died. Among five adults, four were pregnant women, and two gave birth during hospitalization with infants diagnosed with active measles; one infant later developed symptoms suggestive of acute measles meningoencephalitis and was hospitalized weeks later. Vaccination was emphasized as critical for preventing severe disease and hospitalizations.

"Of the 54 hospitalized, 47 (87 percent) developed a complication of measles, including 39 (72 percent) who developed pneumonia, 25 (46 percent) had dehydration, and 21 (39 percent) developed diarrhea. Seventeen (31.5 percent) patients developed co-infections with other pathogens, a known risk with measles, and 28 (52 percent) were treated with antibiotics."

"Thirty-eight (70.4 percent) patients required supplemental oxygen to breathe. Thirty-seven (68.5 percent) experienced hypoxia, which is insufficient oxygen levels to support the body. Four of the hospitalized patients, all children, required treatment in an intensive care unit. Three had dehydration. Two required intubation and mechanical ventilation. One child died."

"Only six of the 54 hospitalized patients had an underlying medical condition that may have put them at higher risk. None of the 54 hospitalized patients were immunocompromised."

"With all this, the authors concluded that "although many cases of measles are mild, approximately one in five persons with confirmed measles in this outbreak required hospitalization for pneumonia, dehydration, or other complications, including rare cases of serious illness or death. Measles vaccination remains a critical tool in both routine and outbreak settings for the prevention of measles infections, severe disease, and hospitalizations.""

Read at Ars Technica