Measles, also known as rubeola, is an infection of the respiratory system that is caused by the measles virus. Measles is highly contagious and spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It is best prevented by vaccination.

Measles is more common in developing countries as most people in industrialized nations are vaccinated. However, local outbreaks in communities with clusters of unvaccinated individuals still occur in the United States.

The symptoms of measles generally begin between 7 and 14 days after the person was infected and start with 3-5 days of high fevers, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes followed by a rash. The rash consists of small, red macules (flat, smooth areas of skin) and papules (small, solid bumps) that begin on the head and face near the hairline and move downward toward the feet to cover the body.

The person usually is well after 2 weeks of illness and then has lifelong immunity to becoming infected again. Complications from measles more commonly occur in children aged younger than 5 years and adults older than 20 years. Complications include ear infections and diarrhea. Serious complications of measles include blindness, inflammation of the brain caused by infection (encephalitis), and pneumonia. About one in every 1000 children will die from complications of a measles infection.

More information about measles:

NHS (UK): www.nhs.uk/conditions/measles/
CDC (USA): www.cdc.gov/measles/symptoms/signs-symptoms.html

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All information is educational and not intended as clinical advice.