Measles, one of the most contagious viruses on the planet, is a growing threat, especially for unvaccinated children. In spaces such as classrooms, school buses, or even grocery stores, the virus can easily jump from one child to another. Alarmingly, nine out of ten unvaccinated individuals exposed to this virus will contract it. Once measles takes hold, its potential to inflict serious damage on the lungs, kidneys, and brain becomes terrifyingly real.

As vaccination rates in the U.S. continue to decline, health experts are raising flags regarding the protracted risk posed by measles. Recent outbreaks have led to over 580 confirmed cases and two tragic fatalities, with predictions that hundreds, if not thousands, more may become infected in the near future.

Here's how this ruthless virus infiltrates the body:

Measles doesn’t rely solely on direct contact to spread—it can persist in the air for up to two hours after an infected person vacates the area. A child could unknowingly inhale these virus-laden droplets from someone who was just there hours earlier. The virus enters the body through the mucous membranes of the nose or mouth, or even through eye contact when the child rubs their eyes.

About 24 hours post-exposure, the virus starts to anchor itself in the nasopharynx cells located in the upper throat and begins its aggressive spread to the lungs. Soon, it multiplies, amassing an army of viral replicates ready to launch an extensive attack within the host’s body.

During this initial phase, many children may not display symptoms, with an average incubation period of two weeks—though it can vary between one to three weeks. As the viral load heightens, it begins attacking other cells, making the child feel unwell.

After a couple of weeks, the symptomatic phase kicks in, beginning with fever and malaise. Irritated eyes, cough, and nasal congestion follow suit, as the respiratory passages become inflamed. Some children may develop whitish-gray spots on the inner lining of their cheeks, but these can go unnoticed in many cases.

The defining hallmark arrives as a red rash, starting on the face before cascading down to the neck, trunk, and limbs. While many symptoms can resolve without extensive medical intervention, a lingering fever beyond three or four days after the rash appears may indicate concerning complications are arising.

As the body fights against the infection, children often find themselves hospitalized, battling low oxygen levels and respiratory distress. Dr. Summer Davies, treating measles cases at Covenant Children’s Hospital in Lubbock, Texas, reports that many parents are stunned by the sudden turn in their child’s health from seemingly fine to critically ill.

The fever can spike to dangerously high levels—104 to 105 degrees—for days. Insufficient fluid intake, sore throats, and diarrhea can compound the issue, leading to dehydration and potentially threatening kidney function.

Children under five face heightened risks due to their smaller airways and challenges in expressing their symptoms effectively. Outcomes can be grim—approximately one in 20 children with measles may develop pneumonia, and some cases can be fatal. Dr. Davies noted that many recent hospital admissions were linked to pneumonia, whether caused directly by the measles virus or by opportunistic pathogens exploiting the weakened immune system.

A heartbreaking case from Texas illustrates these risks: a six-year-old girl lost her battle with measles-related pneumonia, succumbing to fluid accumulation in her lung, which made breathing impossible despite medical intervention.

Complications extend beyond pneumonia. One of the most alarming aspects of measles is known as "immune amnesia," a temporary weakening of the immune system that leaves children vulnerable to other infections for an extended period—sometimes several months to years.

About one in 1,000 measles cases can lead to encephalitis, or brain inflammation, with potential for lasting neurological damage. For immunocompromised children, a dire condition called measles inclusion body encephalitis (MIBE) can emerge, leading to seizures, mental changes, and often resulting in death. The degenerative condition subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) can manifest years after a measles infection, with a mortality rate approaching 95%.

Hearts break when families are affected. Erica Finkelstein-Parker from Pennsylvania tragically lost her eight-year-old daughter, Emmalee, who had unknowingly been affected by a prior measles infection before she was adopted. Subtle signs of decline led to the devastating diagnosis—an ailment with no cure.

Stay informed and understand the significance of vaccinations—protecting children not only shields them but also the health of communities at large. Measles is a preventable menace, and the best defense remains immunization.