But, not all. Measles can lead to pneumonia and an inflammation of the brain that could leave a child deaf or mentally impaired. People can die from measles. Nowadays, we cannot imagine deliberately exposing a child to measles. For most people, chicken pox only causes some fever, chills and a blistery rash, but for some it can bring on serious complications.
Complications are most likely to occur in newborns, adults and persons with weakened immune systems.
Other complications include pneumonia, infection of the brain, and bleeding and clotting problems. Each year, about 10,000 persons are hospitalized and about 50 previously healthy children die from chicken pox or its complications. The varicella vaccine is now widely available. The chicken pox vaccine is not needed by persons who already have had the disease. They have natural immunity against contracting chicken pox again.