Question:

Most serious complication of measles is:

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Think CNS over ear or chest complications when ranking severity.
Updated On: Jun 23, 2026
  • Croup
  • Meningo-encephalitis
  • Otitis media
  • Pneumonia
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Measles (rubeola) is a highly communicable acute viral disease marked by prodromal fever, cough, coryza and conjunctivitis, with pathognomonic Koplik spots, followed by an erythematous maculopapular rash on the third to seventh day.
Step 2: The generalised immunosuppression that follows acute measles often predisposes to bacterial otitis media and bronchopneumonia. These are common, but not the most serious.
Step 3: In about 0.1% of cases measles causes acute meningo-encephalitis, which is the most serious acute complication. Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a rare chronic degenerative disease appearing years later.
Conclusion: Among the listed options, meningo-encephalitis is the most serious complication.
Ref: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics.
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