Measles can cause deadly complications in children

What the research found

Australian health guidance says measles can cause serious and sometimes fatal complications. These include lung infections, blindness and brain disease. The Australian Health Protection Committee lists ear infections, pneumonia and acute encephalitis (brain inflammation), and says children under 5 are more likely to have complications, including death.

A children's hospital fact sheet says measles can lead to serious complications and, in rare cases, death. It lists ear infections, pneumonia, diarrhoea and vomiting as examples in children. Brain inflammation is described as rare but serious and needing urgent care.

A 2025 review in Pediatrics says measles is associated with complications, including frequent lung infections and central nervous system involvement. A Cochrane review (2021) also describes measles, along with mumps, rubella and chickenpox, as serious diseases that can lead to serious complications, disability and death.

What it doesn’t mean

• Death from measles is rare. Most children with measles are sick for less than a week and should start feeling better about two days after the rash appears.
• Two doses of measles vaccine give about 99% protection, and vaccinated children who do catch measles have less risk of serious illness and hospitalisation.
• If you are concerned about your child's symptoms, such as a fever with a red, blotchy rash, seek prompt medical assessment.