Measles
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that causes a distinct red, blotchy skin rash and fever.
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Measles is a respiratory infection, meaning it affects your nose, throat, and lungs, caused by a virus that spreads very easily through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Once the virus enters your body, it travels through your bloodstream to cause a full-body reaction.
While it is most famous for the red spots it leaves on the skin, it is actually a systemic disease, which means it impacts your entire body. Most people recover fully with rest, but because it is so easy to catch, it is important to take it seriously.
Common Symptoms
- A high fever that often starts a few days before the rash.
- A runny or stuffy nose.
- A dry, hacking cough.
- Red, watery, and painful eyes, also known as conjunctivitis.
- Tiny white spots inside the mouth, called Koplik spots, which look like grains of salt.
- A blotchy red rash that typically starts on the face and hairline before spreading down to the rest of the body.