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Measles


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Measles, Koplik spots - close-up
Measles, Koplik spots - close-up
Measles on the back
Measles on the back
Antibodies
Antibodies
OverviewSymptomsTreatmentPrevention

Measles

Alternative Names:

Rubeola
Symptoms:
  • sore throat
  • runny nose
  • cough
  • muscle pain
  • fever
  • bloodshot eyes
  • tiny white spots inside the mouth (called Koplik's spots)
  • photophobia (light sensitivity)
  • rash
    • appears around the fifth day of the disease
    • may last 4 to 7 days
    • usually starts on the head and spreads to other areas, progressing downward
    • maculopapular rash -- appears as both macules (flat, discolored areas) and papules (solid, red, elevated areas) that later merge together (confluent)
  • itching of the rash
Note: The period between the appearance of the earliest symptoms and the appearance of a rash or fever is usually 3 to 5 days.
Signs and tests:
  • viral culture (rarely done)
  • a measles serology
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