How can measles be diagnosed?

Measles can be diagnosed based on several factors:

1. Symptoms: Measles typically presents with a combination of symptoms, including fever, cough, runny nose, eye irritation (conjunctivitis), and a characteristic rash.

2. Clinical Examination: A healthcare professional will conduct a physical examination to assess the patient's symptoms and may examine the inside of the mouth for small white spots known as Koplik spots. These spots typically appear 1-2 days before the rash and can aid in early diagnosis.

3. Laboratory Testing: Several laboratory tests can be performed to confirm a measles infection:

- Viral Culture: Samples from the nose, throat, or urine are collected and tested for the measles virus.

- Serology: Blood tests can detect the presence of measles-specific antibodies, including immunoglobulin M (IgM) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies. IgM antibodies indicate a recent infection, while IgG antibodies suggest past exposure or vaccination-induced immunity.

- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR): This molecular test detects the genetic material of the measles virus in respiratory secretions or other samples.

4. Differential Diagnosis: Measles must be differentiated from other childhood illnesses with similar symptoms, such as rubella, scarlet fever, or other viral infections. A combination of clinical presentation and laboratory testing helps establish the correct diagnosis.

5. Epidemiological History: Considering the patient's vaccination history, recent travel to areas with known measles outbreaks, or potential exposure to infected individuals can provide valuable information for diagnosis.

A healthcare professional, typically a pediatrician or infectious disease specialist, will evaluate the patient's symptoms, clinical signs, and laboratory results to make an accurate diagnosis of measles.