How to Diagnose Measles

Measles should be diagnosed by a doctor, and cases need to be reported to the local board of health. This disease has very distinct symptoms, which usually appear in two stages, so a preliminary diagnosis can be made at home.

Things You'll Need

• Digital Thermometers
• Thermometers

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Instructions

• 1

  Check temperature. Days one through three will show a mild to high fever.

• 2

  Assess for respiratory symptoms such as a harsh cough, runny nose and sneezing. These are commonly found in the first phase.

• 3

  Check for reddened eyes, which may be sensitive to light.

• 4

  Look inside mouth. Tiny white spots on the gums and inside cheeks are also common.

• 5

  Monitor fever carefully after day four. Characteristic of this stage of measles is a very high fever, up to 105 degrees F.

• 6

  Watch for a rash. It is red and blotchy and begins on the face.

• 7

  Assess skin condition. The skin usually starts to peel in two to three days. The rash will also spread from the face to the body, and then the arms and legs. By the time it reaches your extremities, it should have begun to fade from your face.

• 8

  Determine exposure. If you have never had measles or have never been immunized, and you have been in contact with a person who has measles, chances are you've got it. Measles are very contagious and easily spread through the air.