Engraving depicting a doctor examining a baby with measles. An attack by the measles virus makes a patient vulnerable to secondary infections, and death from complications such as pneumonia made measles a dangerous childhood illness. In modern times the use of antibiotics although ineffective against the initial viral infection, reduces the dangers from the Secondary infections. Illustrated Mary Ellen Edwards (1838-1934) an England artist and prolific illustrator of children's books. Dated 19th century