Measles

A contagious viral illness caused by a ribonucleic acid virus (RNA) transmitted by droplets in the air containing the virus.  Symptoms which develop within 7-21 days after exposure include high fever, cough, runny nose, and conjunctivitis along with a typical red blotchy rash which starts after several days of fever.  The rash usually starts on the face and descends down the body.  It can change color to brown and scale before disappearing.  Another sign is Koplik’s spots, which is white-grew patches on the buccal mucosa in the mouth which develop 1-2 days prior to the appearance of the rash.  Measles usually resolves on its own within about 2 weeks.  Treatment includes relief of fever and provision of fluids.  Complications may include pneumonia, bronchitis, and otitis media (ear infection).  A rare complication is encephalitis which can develop 5-6 days after the rash and result in headache, vomiting, fever, and possibly seizures and coma.  The MMR vaccine can help prevent measles.