Which of the following is the most common complication of measles?

Appeared in: NORCET 8 Prelims-2025

Explanation

Otitis media, or middle ear infection, is the most frequently reported complication of measles.
According to pediatric textbooks, its incidence is approximately 7-9%, but can be as high as 14% in children under five years old, the group most susceptible to measles.
It typically arises from a secondary bacterial infection that takes advantage of the immune suppression caused by the measles virus.
While other complications like diarrhea are also very common, otitis media is consistently cited as the single most frequent complication.

Option A: Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) is a rare complication of measles, not the most common.
Option B: Pneumonia is the most common cause of death from measles, but it is not the most common complication overall. Its incidence is lower than that of otitis media and diarrhea.
Option D: Diarrhoea is a very frequent complication, with an incidence rate (around 8%) very close to that of otitis media. However, otitis media is generally cited as being slightly more common, especially in the primary age group affected by measles.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Complications of Measles (Rubeola) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must monitor children with measles for signs of complications, especially ear pain (otitis media), rapid breathing (pneumonia), and changes in consciousness (encephalitis).
Patient and family education is crucial, emphasizing the importance of the MMR vaccine for prevention, which is the most effective strategy.
Administering Vitamin A is a key intervention, as it has been shown to decrease the morbidity and mortality of measles, particularly in deficient populations.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question: it asks for the 'most common' complication of measles.
This is a factual recall question. Access your knowledge about the infectious disease measles (rubeola).
List the common complications of measles: otitis media, pneumonia, diarrhea, croup, and encephalitis.
Compare the relative frequencies of these complications. Recall or look up the incidence rates.
Pneumonia is the deadliest, and encephalitis is severe but rare. Diarrhea and otitis media are the most frequent.
Between diarrhea and otitis media, recall that otitis media is cited as the single most common complication, especially in the pediatric population most affected by the disease.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Qyfwl55_r4e_439LH0WuWN

E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 1 p. 1966-1968

E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 1 — Subpart A (pp 26-201 of 604) p. 151-153

Practise the full NORCET 8 Prelims-2025

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.