Is measles dangerous?

I recently read of the death of a child from measles in the US. Kindly let me know if this can be true. I also want to know if measles is a dangerous disease and how it can be prevented.

Nelson (by SMS)

Yes, there was a recent news report of an unvaccinated child who died of Measles in Texas, US. Measles is one of the most contagious diseases in the world. Up to 90% of people exposed to the virus will contract the disease.

A person with measles can easily spread the virus to more than 10 people. The virus is transmitted through the air or by direct contact with a surface that has droplets that contain the virus. The virus can remain alive in the air or on surfaces for up to 2 hours.

The incubation period for measles is usually 11 to 12 days. The disease can be spread from person to person as early as 4 days before symptoms appear.

The attack rate is one of the highest of all the viral diseases, which makes outbreaks among groups of unvaccinated individuals very common. Measles is a very serious disease which fortunately can be avoided with vaccination.

READ ALSO: 107,500 people, mostly children, died due to measles in 2023 — Report