Measles can be serious. Children younger than 5 years of age and adults older than 20 years of age are more likely to suffer from complications. Common complications are ear infections and diarrhea. Serious complications include pneumonia and encephalitis.

What happens if you get measles?

Once you have had measles, your body builds up resistance (immunity) to the virus and it's highly unlikely you'll get it again. But it can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening complications in some people. These include infections of the lungs (pneumonia) and brain (encephalitis).

What is the cause and effect of measles?

Measles is caused by the measles virus, spread by contact with infected people's body fluids. It is a serious disease because it can lead to: pneumonia and other infections of the airways. swelling of the brain (encephalitis), which can cause a brain injury.