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Measles is believed to be a common sickness that infants and kids go through. However, a recent study shows that measles now has a higher possibility of causing serious or even deadly complications when not handled correctly.

Today, the disease has an infection rate of one in every 1,700 children who are diagnosed with measles below the age of 5.

Unbeknownst to many, measles can turn to a neurological disease called SSPE or subacute sclerosing panencephalitis. This complication happens when the body reacts abnormally to the measles virus. This disease is said to cause 100 percent death for infants to get it and the new study shows that one in every 600 infants infected with measles could get it. People who are experiencing SSPE may experience difficulty in moving and mental work.

The best way to address this problem is for kids and adults to be vaccinated as early as possible, especially those who will mostly be in contact with infants. The good thing about infants is that the first 12 months could be a safe period because they still have their mother’s antibodies in their system so they don’t need to be vaccinated yet.

However, parents who plan to travel with their infant below 12 months old should consult their doctor for an early vaccination to minimize the risks. Reports say an infant may be allowed to get their vaccines as early as 6 months if needed.

In California, the law requires kids to be vaccinated before they can go to school and this makes a lot of sense because it only takes one kid with measles to cause a health outbreak in the whole campus. Based on reports, this can definitely happen as there are parents who are scared of side effects and decided not to get the shots for their children.

A comprehensive review of the studies proves that vaccination of children is very safe and necessary for the safety of the kid and the public.