Which of the following is the ‘Least common’ complication of measles ?
## Core Concept
The question pertains to the complications of measles, a highly contagious viral infection caused by the measles virus. Measles can lead to various complications, ranging from mild to severe, especially in children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems.
## Why the Correct Answer is Right
Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a rare but serious complication of measles infection. It occurs years after the initial measles infection and is characterized by a progressive neurological deterioration. SSPE is caused by a persistent measles virus infection in the brain and is extremely rare, with an estimated incidence of about 4-11 cases per 100,000 measles cases.
## Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect
* **Option A:** Otitis media (middle ear infection) is a common complication of measles, occurring in about 7-9% of cases, especially in children. It results from the secondary bacterial infection that takes advantage of the compromised immune state following measles.
* **Option B:** Pneumonia is another common complication of measles, particularly in children under the age of 5 and adults over 20. It is a leading cause of measles-related deaths worldwide.
* **Option C:** Diarrhea is also a frequent complication of measles, contributing significantly to morbidity and mortality, especially in developing countries.
## Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact
A key point to remember is that while SSPE is a devastating complication, it is extremely rare compared to other complications like otitis media, pneumonia, and diarrhea, which are much more common and contribute significantly to the morbidity and mortality associated with measles.
## Correct Answer Line
**Correct Answer: D. Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis.**