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Measles - Symptom

Alternative Names

Rubeola

Symptoms:

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)

Signs and tests:

Measles serology
Viral culture (rarely done)

Measles, Koplik spots - close-up

Measles on the back

Antibodies

Reviewed last on: 8/1/2008
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.

References

Measles. Disease-A-Month. 2007;53.

Mason WH. Measles. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 243.

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