Measles

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that affects persons who have not been vaccinated against it. The MMR vaccine, which is part of the scheduled immunization schedule affords protection against this viral infection. In severe cases, measles can lead to bronchitis, pneumonia or encephalitis. Rubella is another kind of measles but it is caused due to a different virus.

Measles is highly contagious and spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Infected children must be kept at home. Rash associated with measles is red and blotchy all over the body. Other symptoms of measles include fever, headache and loss of appetite. The patient may have cough and runny nose. Often mild conjunctivitis is also noticed. There are small whitish spots inside the mouth and cheek. They are called Koplik's spots. Typically a bout of measles lasts for 2 - 3 weeks till the rashes completely disappear.