Measles Virus Detected in Brain Tissue Years After Initial Infection, Raising Concerns About Long-Term Effects
NEW YORK - February 29, 2024 – In a groundbreaking finding, researchers have detected persistent measles virus in brain tissue years after the initial infection, offering a potential explanation for the rare but devastating neurological complications associated with the disease. The findings, published this week, highlight the importance of vaccination as the sole effective means of preventing measles and its potentially long-lasting consequences.
Measles, a highly contagious viral infection, was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000. However, recent outbreaks linked to declining vaccination rates demonstrate the virus’s continued threat. While most measles infections resolve within a few weeks, a small percentage of individuals develop severe complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis (brain inflammation), and even death.
The new research suggests that in some cases, the measles virus doesn’t fully clear from the body. Instead, it can persist in the brain, potentially contributing to a delayed onset of neurological issues known as subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), a fatal degenerative disease.
“This is the first time we’ve been able to directly detect the virus in brain tissue so long after the initial infection,” explained Dr. Davis, a lead researcher on the study. “It provides crucial insight into how measles can cause these rare but devastating long-term effects.”
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that one to four cases of SSPE occur for every million measles cases. SSPE typically develops 7 to 10 years after the initial measles infection.
The measles vaccine is highly effective. One dose of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine provides approximately 93 percent protection against infection, and two doses are 97 percent effective.At least 95 percent of a population must be vaccinated to prevent the spread of the disease and protect vulnerable individuals, including infants too young to be vaccinated and those with compromised immune systems.
“Infants too young to be vaccinated rely on all of us to help protect them through community immunity,” Davis said. “Vaccination is not just about protecting yourself-it’s about protecting your family, your neighbors, and especially children who are too young to be vaccinated.”
Contrary to claims made by Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., measles cannot be treated with vitamin A or cod liver oil. There is no cure for measles beyond symptom management.Widespread vaccination remains the only effective strategy for combating the virus.
