Measles
Educational information. Individual clinical review of this presentation by Dr. Ehsan is not yet documented. It does not replace personal medical evaluation.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine. Read the original source
MedlinePlus data edition September 26, 2026. Imported September 27, 2026. These dates do not indicate a new clinical review of the article.
Measles is an infectious disease caused by a virus. It spreads easily from person to person. It causes a blotchy red rash. The rash often starts on the head and moves down the body. Other symptoms include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
- Feeling achy and run down
- Tiny white spots inside the mouth
Sometimes measles can lead to serious problems. There is no treatment for measles, but the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine can prevent it.
"German measles", also known as rubella, is a completely different illness.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Symptoms, tests and care options
Further reading selected by MedlinePlus. Links open the original organizations’ websites.
- Measles and Mumps Tests · National Library of Medicine
- Measles Symptoms and Complications · Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Nasal Swab · National Library of Medicine
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For a life-threatening emergency, call 911 in the U.S. or your local emergency number.
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