Most people survive measles, though in some cases, complications may occur. About 1 in 4 individuals will be hospitalized and 1–2 in 1000 will die. Complications are more likely in children under age 5 and adults over age 20.

How long can you live with measles?

Measles virus can live for up to two hours in an airspace after an infected person leaves an area.

Is measles a life-threatening disease?

Measles is a respiratory disease caused by a virus. It can have life-threatening complications. The CDC calls it the "most deadly of all childhood rash/fever illnesses." It spreads easily, but the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine can prevent it.