Measles can be quite deadly, especially in certain vulnerable groups. The fatality rate generally ranges from about 1 to 3 deaths per 1,000 cases in children, but can be much higher in underdeveloped regions with malnutrition and poor healthcare, sometimes reaching up to 28%. In the United States, the average case fatality rate was about 0.3% between 1987 and 2000. Pneumonia and encephalitis are the most common causes of death from measles. Globally, an estimated 107,500 people, mostly children under 5 years old, died from measles in 2023 despite available vaccines. Measles remains a leading cause of vaccine-preventable childhood death worldwide.
How Deadly Is Measles Generally?
- 1 to 3 deaths per 1,000 measles cases in children in many settings.
- Higher mortality (up to 28%) in areas with malnutrition and poor healthcare.
- Mortality can reach around 30% in immunocompromised persons.
- Pneumonia accounts for the majority of deaths tied to measles complications.
- Measles can cause serious complications such as encephalitis, which can cause death or permanent brain damage.
Vulnerable Populations
- Children under age 5 years.
- Adults over age 20.
- Pregnant women.
- People with compromised immune systems.
- Malnourished individuals, especially those deficient in vitamin A.
Global Impact
- Estimated 107,500 deaths worldwide from measles in 2023.
- Most deaths are young children, despite the availability of effective vaccination.
- Measles vaccination has prevented millions of deaths since 2000 but gaps in vaccine coverage have led to recent surges.
Measles is highly contagious and can cause fatal complications, but mortality is greatly reduced by vaccination and good healthcare.
