As Measles Cases Surge, Scientists Explain Why Vaccination Is Critical

image via New Scientist

March 25, 2025, 12:00 PM

• •Measles is a highly contagious virus that can cause serious complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis, and subacute sclerosing panencephalitis.
• •There is no treatment for measles, but the two current standard vaccines against measles—which also include protection against mumps and rubella—are proven to be both very safe and effective.
• •At least 95 percent of people must be vaccinated in order to stop outbreaks from spreading and reduce the possibility that people who are not medically able to be vaccinated—such as babies under one year old or immunocompromised people—will catch the virus.

Measles is a nasty virus that can cause a range of serious health problems, including pneumonia, encephalitis, and subacute sclerosing panencephalitis. The best way to protect yourself from measles is to get vaccinated. The measles vaccine is safe and effective, and it can prevent serious illness and death.

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