Doctors at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas say measles can cause serious complications more often in adults than children. For example, adults suffering from measles are at a greater risk of contracting pneumonia or encephalitis than children. Researchers say college students are at the greatest risk where the concentrated living arrangements help the disease to move rapidly. As a result, many public health experts urge college age students to have a second measles shot. In fact, nearly two dozen states require proof of a second dose of the vaccine before allowing a student to enroll in college.
Measles still poses a public health problem.
More than 2 thousand cases of measles were reported in 1992. 100 measles-related deaths were also reported that year. There were nearly 1,000 cases in 1994. Other Topics Health Watch is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.