Symptoms of Measles

Measles are caused by the rubella virus. This disease is very contagious and was usually contracted by elementary school age children during the spring and winter months. It is normally treated with antipruritic medications to reduce itching. Vaccines are given to children starting at 15 months and another injection is given before entering school at the age of five or six, depending on state requirements. Because of the wide-spread measles immunization program in America, the measles cases have declined to the point of rarity.

Fever

• A fever generally occurs during the first two days of the onset of measles. In some cases the person's temperature may rise to 103 degrees. At this same time there is tiredness and loss of appetite.

Spots

• Red spots appear on the inside of the cheek. This occurs after the second day of contraction.

Rash

• The rosy rash appears first on the face, ears and neck of the infected person. It then moves outward starting with the torso and then the arms and legs. The rash becomes slightly swollen and mottled and may last four to five days.

Cough and Runny Nose

• Cold-like symptoms of runny nose, cough, sneezing and red, watery eyes are common symptoms of measles.

Light Sensitivity

• The person infected with measles may or may not have light sensitivity. If they do, the room in which they are resting should be kept dark.