What is rubeola?

Rubeola, also known as measles, is a viral infection that causes fever, cough, runny nose, and a rash. It is one of the most contagious diseases on the planet and is spread through contact with respiratory droplets produced when an infected person sneezes or coughs.

Measles is characterized by a fever that can reach up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit, a cough, a runny nose, and red, watery eyes. After a few days, a rash appears on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. The rash can last for up to a week and may be accompanied by itching and swelling.

In some cases, measles can lead to more serious complications, such as pneumonia, encephalitis, and subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), a rare but fatal brain disorder that can develop years after the initial infection.

Measles is a vaccine-preventable disease, and the measles vaccine is safe and effective. The vaccine is typically given to children at 12 months and 4-6 years of age, and it provides long-term immunity against the disease.

Measles outbreaks have occurred in recent years in the United States and other countries, largely due to declining vaccination rates. To prevent the spread of measles and protect their communities, it is important for individuals to get vaccinated against measles and to maintain high vaccination coverage rates.