In the decade before 1963 when a vaccine became available, nearly all children got measles by the time they were 15 years of age. It is estimated 3 to 4 million people in the United States were infected each year. Also each year, among reported cases, an estimated 400 to 500 people died, 48,000 were hospitalized, and 1,000 suffered encephalitis (swelling of the brain) from measles.
https://www.cdc.gov/measles/about/history.html
Unfortunately, not enough people are vaccinated, so there will be outbreaks of this very contagious disease. https://www.cdc.gov/measles/about/transmission.html
Here is an example:
He contracted the disease in May 2016 at his sister’s graduation from the Northern Illinois University College of Business. The Illinois Department of Health later determined that a guest who had traveled to the graduation from outside the United States had the measles
Perhaps there should be a vaccination requirement for tourists?
I had the measles when I was 5 years old on a farm outside Poughkeepsie during a blizzard where the doctor trudged through the snow in hip high boots to see me. I’m still here. That was 1959. I almost died. I recommend vaccination.
You are correct
All kids pretty much got measles. I had at least two and possibly three kinds. I have no memory of any kid dying. The cure was staying in bed, in the dark