Symptoms of Measles: What to Look Out For
Measles (rubeola) is a highly contagious disease. Despite its outward appearance as a body rash that spreads from the face to the chest and down to the feet, the infectious virus is much more than that – and it can be life-threatening if not treated quickly, especially when it comes to infants, children and those or are unvaccinated.
How Measles is Spread
Measles can be spread in a variety of ways. The most common are:
- Coughs and sneezes from an infected person
- Air droplets (measles can live for up to two hours in the air)
- Touching infected surfaces and then touching your nose, mouth or eyes
Measles Information
Signs to Look Out For
Measles symptoms often won’t appear right away after being infected, and they often don’t present all at the same time .The first symptoms can show one to two weeks after the onset of infection, and
- Rash that spreads throughout the skin
- Koplik’s spots (presents as red spots with bluish-white centers in the mouth)
- High fever (temperatures can reach 104 degrees Fahrenheit or higher)
- Red, watery eyes
- Dry cough
- Runny nose
- Headache
- Diarrhea or vomiting
How the Disease is Diagnosed
The first step is visiting a primary care provider (PCP). PCPs can often diagnose measles with a physical exam and checking out the full body rash. They may also recommend a urine test, blood test or nose or throat swab to verify the presence of the infection.
If diagnosed with measles, it is important that the infected person self-isolates so that they do not spread the disease to others. If they start exhibiting chest pain, difficulty breathing, neck stiffness, severe stomach or head pain, sensitivity to light or confusion, call 911 or head to the nearest emergency room.
Length of Infection and Potential Complications
Many measles cases last 10 to 14 days if there are no complications. However, if complications arise, the effects of the infection can carry on a lot longer, even resulting in life-changing or fatal conditions.
Measles complications can include:
- Severe dehydration
- Bronchitis
- Pneumonia
- Brain swelling or inflammation (encephalitis)
- Blindness
- Death
First Step: Prevention
The good news is that measles is easily prevented with a measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination during childhood. The MMR vaccine is the best defense against contracting the disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all children receive their first dose no later than 15 months of age and their second dose no later than six years of age. Older children and adults who were not previously vaccinated or are not immune to measles also need one to two doses.