(NewsNation) — More than 200 measles cases have been reported in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
A rare, fatal complication of the disease targeting the central nervous system can appear years after apparent recovery.
This condition is known as subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, which occurs when the measles virus remains in the brain long after the initial infection.
Deadly brain disorder related to measles
Although measles itself doesn’t directly cause brain damage, an abnormal immune response to the virus, or certain viral variants, can lead to severe illness and death. This response causes brain swelling and irritation, which may last for years.
The deadly brain disorder typically develops seven to 11 years after the primary measles infection, with the highest risk seen in children infected before the age of 2, according to the University of Chicago Medicine.
Acute encephalitis can cause permanent brain damage in one in 1,000 cases. In the U.S., neurological or respiratory complications from measles cause death in one to three out of every 1,000 cases.
Measles outbreak has hit multiple states
Measles is an airborne and extremely infectious illness known for causing a potentially severe rash. While not seasonal, cases have spread when there is increased travel or unvaccinated people in close quarters, like summer camps, according to the CDC.
As of March 7, CDC officials reported 222 cases in the United States, with 38 hospitalizations. Most of this year’s cases have been reported in Texas.
Deaths have occurred in Texas, where a school-aged child died last month, and New Mexico, which reported its first adult death last week.
Measles cases have also been reported in Alaska, California, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island.
There is no specific treatment for measles. Doctors generally try to alleviate symptoms, prevent complications and keep patients comfortable.
Nexstar Media Wire and The Associated Press contributed to this report.