The virus targets certain types of immune cells in the body, destroying them in the process.

Summary

The measles outbreak in West Texas has hospitalized 29 people and caused two deaths.

Measles is highly contagious and can lead to severe complications, including pneumonia, brain swelling, and “immune amnesia,” which weakens long-term immunity.

The virus destroys memory cells, leaving people more vulnerable to infections. In severe cases, measles can suppress the immune system for years.

A rare but fatal complication, subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), can develop a decade later.

Vaccination remains the best defense, with two doses being 97% effective.