A less frequent but serious consequence of infection is encephalitis or inflammation of the brain. Measles is spread by direct contact with nasal or throat secretions of infected people or, less fre-quently, by airborne transmission.
Complications are more common in developing countries and in malnourished children.
Measles in pregnant women can cause miscarriages or premature delivery. Treatment is symptomatic. People who have once had measles develop natural immunity and cannot contract it again.