While measles symptoms typically resolve in a few weeks, the virus can cause pneumonia, making it difficult for patients, especially children, to get oxygen into their lungs. It may also lead to brain swelling, which can cause lasting damage, including blindness, deafness and intellectual disabilities.

At least 1,277 cases have been reported as of Monday, surpassing the previous record set in 2019, despite 2025 being only halfway over.