Measles
Why it happens: Measles is caused by its namesake virus (Measles morbillivirus). It’s very contagious among people with no preexisting immunity to it, such as the unvaccinated and very young children.
Symptoms and treatments: The infection initially presents a flu-like illness, followed by flat red spots and sometimes small raised bumps that start at the face and travel all throughout the body. The illness is usually mild, though younger children are more likely to develop severe, life-threatening complications like pneumonia and brain swelling. An infection can also reset a person’s immunity to other diseases. There are no specific treatments for measles, but there is a highly effective childhood vaccine against it. Unfortunately, declining global vaccination rates have led to its resurgence in some parts of the world.
