MEASLES

What Is Measles?
 

Measles, also known as rubeola, is a preventable, highly contagious, acute febrile viral illness. It remains an important cause of death among young children globally, despite the availability of a safe and effective vaccine.

 

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Measles?
 

Tiny white spots with bluish-white centers on a red background found inside the mouth on the inner lining of the cheek — also called Koplik's spots.
 

The rash breaks out 3–5 days after symptoms start, sometimes along with a high fever up to 40°C. The red or reddish-brown rash usually begins as flat red spots on the forehead. It spreads to the rest of the face, then down the neck and torso to the arms, legs, and feet. The fever and rash slowly go away after a few days.

 

How Do People Get Measles?
 

Measles spreads when people breathe in or have direct contact with virus-infected fluid. It can pass through droplets sprayed into the air when someone with measles sneezes or coughs. 

 

People with measles can spread the disease from 4 days before the rash starts until about 4 days after that. They're most contagious while they have a fever, runny nose, and cough. Those with weak immune systems due to other conditions (like HIV and AIDS) can spread the measles virus until they recover.

 

Complications
 

Complications of measles may include:

 

 

 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that children and adults receive the measles vaccine to prevent measles.

 

Doctors usually give infants the first dose of the vaccine at 9 months, with the second dose typically given between 15 and 18 months.