Measles
Measles (also known as rubeola) is a highly contagious viral respiratory illness. It causes high fever and a distinctive red rash and can lead to serious complications, especially in young children and people with weakened immune systems.
If you or your child develops a high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a rash, seek medical care promptly.
(These images show the characteristic measles rash and early signs like red eyes or Koplik spots.)
Symptoms and Causes
Symptoms of measles
Symptoms usually appear 10–14 days after exposure. The illness often starts with flu-like symptoms (the “3 Cs”) followed by a rash. Common symptoms include:
- High fever (often over 104°F / 40°C)
- Cough
- Runny nose (coryza)
- Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
- Tiny white spots inside the mouth (Koplik spots) — these appear 2–3 days before the rash
- Red, blotchy rash that starts on the face and spreads downward to the neck, trunk, arms, and legs
The rash usually lasts about a week. Early symptoms last 4–7 days before the rash appears.
Causes of measles
Measles is caused by the measles virus (a morbillivirus). Here’s how it spreads:
- The virus spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing.
- It can remain in the air or on surfaces for up to 2 hours.
- One person with measles can infect up to 90% of unvaccinated close contacts.
- The virus infects the respiratory tract and then spreads throughout the body.
Risk factors
Children under 5, adults over 20, pregnant people, and those with weakened immune systems face higher risk of severe complications such as pneumonia, ear infections, diarrhea, encephalitis, or death.
Diagnosis and Tests
Doctors often diagnose measles based on symptoms and the appearance of the rash. Blood tests or swabs can confirm the presence of the virus and rule out similar illnesses.
Management and Treatment
There is no specific antiviral treatment for measles. Care focuses on supportive measures:
- Plenty of rest and fluids
- Fever reducers such as acetaminophen (paracetamol)
- Vitamin A supplements (recommended in some cases, especially for children in areas with deficiency)
- Hospital care for complications like pneumonia or severe dehydration
Outlook / Prognosis
Most people recover within 2–3 weeks, but complications can be serious or fatal, especially in young children or malnourished individuals. Vaccination provides strong, long-lasting protection.
Prevention
The MMR vaccine (measles-mumps-rubella) is the best prevention. Two doses provide about 97% protection. Children should receive the first dose at 12–15 months and the second at 4–6 years.
During outbreaks, unvaccinated people should avoid exposure and follow public health guidance.
Sources: Information adapted from World Health Organization (WHO) Measles Fact Sheet and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) measles resources.