Rubeola

Symptoms usually begin 8 - 12 days after you are exposed to the virus. This is called the incubation period.

Symptoms may include:

• Bloodshot eyes
• Cough
• Fever
• Light sensitivity (photophobia)
• Muscle pain
• Rash
  • Usually appears 3 - 5 days after the first signs of being sick
  • May last 4 - 7 days
  • Usually starts on the head and spreads to other areas, moving down the body
  • Rash may appear as flat, discolored areas (macules) and solid, red, raised areas (papules) that later join together
  • Itchy
• Redness and irritation of the eyes (conjunctivitis)
• Runny nose
• Sore throat
• Tiny white spots inside the mouth (Koplik's spots)

• Measles serology
• Viral culture (rarely done)

Images

Antibodies

Measles, Koplik spots - close-up

Measles on the back

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Measles Treatment

Review Date: 07/26/2010
Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)