Book from 98 doctors in ahmedabad

Measles is an infection caused by the rubeola virus, commonly affecting children and causing significant mortality in young children. Hence, people should be aware of the prevention and treatment of measles.

The symptoms are seen almost 10-14 days after viral exposure and include runny nose, sore throat, dry cough, fever, skin rashes, inflamed eyes and Koplik's spots in the mouth (white, tiny spots consisting of bluish-white centres and a red background).

The different stages of measles include:
- Symptomless but present in the body (first 14 days)
- Mild symptoms (runny nose, fever, inflamed eyes and sore throat)
- Slightly raised red spots appearing on the face, followed by the hands and body
- The person is infectious from four days prior and four days post the appearance of rashes.

Yes, measles can be prevented by vaccination, and this vaccine is provided as a combination of measles, mumps and rubella vaccine. This vaccine should be given to children as per the immunisation schedule to prevent infection.

Measles being a highly contagious disease is estimated to affect 90% of the non-immunised individuals who come in contact with the infected individuals. It mainly affects your respiratory system and spreads through droplets (nasal, oral or throat) from infected individuals.