Measles

Measles, also known as rubeola, is a common disease caused by a virus of the genus Morbillivirus.

Symptoms

The classical symptoms of measles include a fever for at least 3 days duration, and the three C's - cough, coryza (runny nose) and conjunctivitis (red eyes). The fever may reach up to 40 degrees Celsius (105 Fahrenheit). Koplik's spots seen inside the mouth are pathognomic (diagnostic) for measles but are not often seen, even in real cases of measles because they are transient and may disappear within a day of arising.

Related Topics:
Cough - Coryza - Conjunctivitis - Celsius - Fahrenheit - Koplik's spots

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The rash in measles is classically described as a generalised, maculopapular, erythematous rash that begins several days after the fever starts. It starts on the head before spreading to cover most of the body. The measles rash also classically "stains" by changing colour to dark brown from red before disappearing later. The rash can be itchy.

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