Still prevalent in underdeveloped countries, measles is highly contagious and is spread through sneezing and coughing by an infected person 4 days before and after the onset of the infamous measles rash. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the measles virus can survive for up to 2 hours on an infected surface and is so contagious that 90 percent of non-vaccinated persons who come in contact with an infected individual will also contract the disease.
Onset
Often mistaken for influenza, the first stage of measles typically begins with a low or moderate fever, along with a cough, inflamed eyes, sore throat and runny nose. Lasting 2 to 3 days, often the patient will be very sensitive to light due to the conjunctivitis (inflamed eyes). Unlike influenza, measles patients will not typically experience nausea.
Koplik's Spots
Characteristic of measles, Koplik's spots appear as tiny red spots on the inner lining of the cheek, identified by bluish-white centers. While there is no specific treatment for measles other than drinking plenty of fluids and resting, at this stage it is important to see a doctor to confirm the disease so that the doctor can watch for complications and so medical personnel can prevent further outbreak of this highly contagious disease. Measles can cause serious complications in infants, pregnant women and persons with compromised autoimmune systems.
Rash
Typically beginning on the face, the measles rash will spread quickly to the chest, stomach and back and then to the arms, thighs and feet. The measles rash has large flat blotches that can overlap. Accompanied by a spike in fever, it is important that the fever in children be treated with acetaminophen or ibuprofen rather than aspirin to avoid Reyes Syndrome. This rash and higher fever typically last a week, after which the rash will fade in the same sequence in which it appeared.
