Measles history and symptoms

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [2] ; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief:  Alejandro Lemor, M.D. [3]

## Overview

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The symptoms of measles generally begin about 7-14 days after a person has been infected. Clinical diagnosis of measles requires a history of fever of at least three days together with at least one of the three Cs --cough, coryza (runny nose) and conjunctivitis (red eyes). Observation of Koplik's spots is also a characteristic finding in measles. The fever may reach up to 104° F/ 40° C.

## History and Symptoms

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* Healthcare providers should consider measles in patients presenting with febrile rash illness and clinically compatible measles symptoms, especially if the person recently traveled internationally or was exposed to a person with febrile rash illness
* Measles usually begins with a prodromal illness that lasts for 3-5 days consisting of fever and cough, coryza and conjunctivitis. [1]
* The characteristic measles rash is classically described as a generalized, maculopapular, erythematous rash that begins several days after the fever starts.
* It starts on the head before spreading to cover most of the body, often causing itching.
* The rash is said to "stain", changing color from red to dark brown, before disappearing.
* The rash lasts for 5 to 6 days, and then fades.
* On average, the rash occurs 14 days after exposure to the virus (within a range of seven to 18 days).
* The rash usually begins on a person’s face at the hairline and spreads downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet.
* When the rash appears, a fever may spike to more than 104°F.
* After a few days, the fever subsides and the rash fades.

### Common Symptoms

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* Fever
* Rash
* Cough
* Coryza (runny nose)
* Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
* Malaise

| Onset of symptoms in measles infection
Author: Alejandro Lemor, M.D. [1]

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## References

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1. ↑ "CDC Measles signs and symptoms".

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