Because most infants are vaccinated against measles, the likelihood an infection will occur is low. Measles is also referred to as Rubeola. Most infants recover from the measles without complications. However, in 20 percent to 30 percent of the cases diagnosed, complications occur.
Initial Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of an infection happen between seven and 18 days of the contamination. Initial signs include fever, cough, increased mucous in the nose and reddened eyes.
Koplik's Spots and Rash
Within two to three days of onset, Koplik's spots appear in the mouth. The spots are tiny white bumps that resemble grains of sand. They are on top of small red areas. A red rash slowly begins to appear on the face and neck. The rash continues to spread down the back and onto the lower extremities. The rash is flat and not raised but may contain small red bumps. The rash appears for approximately five days and begins to fade into a shade of brown before eventually disappearing.
Additional Symptoms
Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are additional signs and symptoms that occur throughout the infection process. Lymph nodes around the neck may appear swollen. In some instances, an infant can contract an ear infection.
Severe Complications
Most children recover from measles without complications. However, occasionally some children may have additional complications. Pneumonia, meningitis and encephalitis are diagnoses alongside measles in rare instances.
