Measles - Symptoms - Better Medicine

What are the symptoms of measles?

Symptoms of measles typically begin with fever, sore throat, cough, sore eyes, and runny nose. The characteristic symptom of measles, known as Koplik’s spots, appears on the inside of the mouth. Koplik’s spots are small white areas that may have bluish-colored centers.

Within three to five days of the onset of symptoms, the skin rash appears. The rash often begins on the face and spreads downward all over the body. A very high fever may develop with the rash. The rash starts to disappear after a few days, and the fever resolves.

Common symptoms of measles

Symptoms of measles typically appear one to two weeks after infection and include:

Cough
Fatigue
Fever
Rash
Red, watery eyes
Runny nose
Sore throat
White spots inside the mouth (Koplik’s spots)

Symptoms that might indicate a serious condition

For pregnant women, measles can be a serious condition that should be immediately evaluated in an emergency setting. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, are pregnant and have symptoms of the measles. You should also seek immediate care if you, or someone you are with, have measles and develop symptoms of encephalitis, which include:

Convulsions or seizures
Fainting or change in level of consciousness or lethargy
Vomiting

INTRODUCTION

What is measles?

Measles is a disease caused by a respiratory virus that produces telltale red spots on the body. In addition to the spots, symptoms include fever, runny nose, and cough. Measles is a childhood disease that rarely occurs in adults. Measles is also known as rubeola.... Read more about measles introduction

CAUSES

What causes measles?

Measles is an infectious disease caused by a virus of the paramyxovirus family, which infects the lining layer of the back of the throat and nose. You can catch measles through exposure to airborne droplets spread by an infected person when he or she sneezes or coughs. Particles carrying the virus remain infectious for hours, so even touching a door handle or other infected surface can put you at risk.... Read more about measles causes

TREATMENTS

How is measles treated?

Although there is no treatment specifically to cure measles, medications to control pain and reduce fever may be given to make the patient more comfortable. Antibiotics may be prescribed if a secondary bacterial infection, such as pneumonia or an ear infection, develops. Patients with measles should be separated from others to avoid exposure and transmission of the virus.... Read more about measles treatments