Need another reason to vaccinate against measles? The virus can cause immune amnesia.

By: Clayton Henkel

Outlets: North Carolina Newsline

Published: February 2, 2026

Words: 467

Last Updated: 3 weeks, 2 days ago

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When healthcare professionals talk about measles, they often focus on the blotchy red rash that typically appears on the face and then spreads to the body of the person infected. But a lesser known complication from the measles virus deserves more attention, according to retired pediatrician Dr. Arthur Lavin.

“Measles actually erases immune memory,” Lavin shared with NC Newsline in a recent interview.

The phenomenon of immune amnesia occurs when the highly contagious measles virus …

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