Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects the respiratory system, most commonly in children. The infection is caused by the measles virus, which spreads easily through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Fortunately, measles can be prevented through vaccination.

Measles Symptoms

High Fever

A high fever is one of the first signs of measles. A typical human body temperature is between 97.5°F and 98.9°F. If you or someone in your household has a low fever that gradually increases to over 104°F over several days, it’s crucial to watch for additional signs of measles.

Cough

Along with fever, many people with measles experience a dry cough, runny nose, headache, and red, watery eyes. These symptoms can resemble a common cold or upper respiratory infection, but when they persist and are accompanied by a fever, they may indicate measles.

Fatigue and Body Aches

Measles symptoms tend to develop gradually. As the infection progresses, individuals often feel very fatigued and experience muscle aches. While fatigue and body aches are common with many viral infections, they are also frequent in measles cases. This can make daily activities more difficult and may lead to a decrease in appetite, further impacting your health.

Koplik Spots

Koplik spots are small white spots that appear on the inside of the mouth in individuals infected with measles. These spots are an early indicator of measles and usually appear 2-3 days before the characteristic measles rash.

Rash

The measles rash is one of the most notable symptoms of the infection. It typically starts as a red, raised, splotchy rash on the face at the hairline and spreads downwards over the next few days. The rash usually appears about 3-5 days after the onset of symptoms. As the rash progresses, the fever may continue to rise. If you or a family member develop a rash along with other measles symptoms, it’s important to seek medical care promptly. The rash can last anywhere from 7 to 10 days.