People and groups at risk of measles complications
Children younger than 5 years of age. Adults older than 20 years of age. Pregnant women. People with compromised immune systems, such as from leukemia or HIV infection.
Can measles affect adults?
Measles in adults
Although it's often associated with childhood illness, adults can get measles too. People who aren't vaccinated are at a higher risk of catching the disease. It's generally accepted that adults born during or before 1957 are naturally immune to measles.
What species does measles affect?
The virus is related to several viruses that infect animals, including the Canine Distemper Virus. Primates can be infected in vitro but humans are the only reservoir for the measles virus which, theoretically, could be eradicated from the world.
