How dangerous is measles in adults?

In general, the danger of a disease is significantly related to the age, nutritional and immune status of a patient. Thus it can be assumed that healthy, middle-aged adults in Germany are more likely to have a milder course than infants, older adults or immunocompromised adults. Nevertheless, a measles infection must be taken seriously in any case.

Serious bacterial infections that can affect the middle ear or lungs can occur during this period. In addition, severe laryngitis and encephalitis are among the complications that can also affect adults. The acute as well as the subacute form of this encephalitis due to a measles infection is often accompanied by consequential damage and a relatively high mortality rate. They are among the most dangerous complications that can occur not only in children but also in immunocompromised adults.

Is measles possible despite a vaccination?

As with every vaccination, it is possible to fall ill with measles despite the supposed protection of the vaccination. With this vaccine it is assumed that 91 percent after the first vaccination and 92 to 99 percent after the second vaccination are protected against the measles virus.One to eight vaccinated humans would thus become ill with measles with a virus contact. Reason for it can be different immune weaknesses of the inoculated one or an improper inoculation by the physician.

Without such inoculation however because of the extremely high infection danger most persons with virus contact would become ill to it. After two inoculations in the infancy, usually together in the combination with mumps and rubella, has thereby a lifelong inoculation protection. Refreshments are not necessary.

Is a vaccination for adults useful?

Even though the vaccination is usually given in childhood, it is also recommended to be vaccinated in adulthood. If there is a proven complete vaccination protection, which consists of two vaccinations at the age of 11 to 14 months and at the age of 15 to 23 months, there is no need to be revaccinated in adulthood. However, it is recommended that persons born after 1970 who have not received a vaccination or whose vaccination status is unclear or incomplete be provided with a single dose of the mumps measles rubella vaccine. Particular attention should be paid to complete vaccination protection for medical and community workers. After all, the measles vaccination not only protects against the measles itself, with all its complications and accompanying diseases, but also against years of immunodeficiency after such an infection.