Rubeola
Measles starts with cold-like symptoms that develop about 10 days after becoming infected. This is followed a few days later by the measles rash .
For most people, the illness lasts around 7 to 10 days in total.
The initial symptoms of measles can include:
A day or two before the rash appears, many people with measles develop small greyish-white spots in their mouth.
Not everyone with measles has these spots, but if someone has them in addition to the other symptoms listed above or a rash, it's highly likely they have the condition.
The spots will usually last for a few days.
The measles rash appears aroundtwo to four days after the initial symptoms and normally fades after about a week.
You'll usually feel most illon the first or second day after the rash develops.
The rash:
Contact your GP as soon as possible if you suspect that you or your child has measles, even if you're not completely sure.
It's best to phone before your visit, as your GP surgery may need to make arrangements to reduce the risk of spreading the infection to others.
You should also see your GP if you've been in close contact with someone who has measles and you've not been fully vaccinated or haven't had the infection before even if you don'thave any symptoms yet.
Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can be very unpleasant and sometimes lead to serious complications. Anyone can get measles if they haven't been vaccinated or they haven't had it before, although it's most common in young children.
Measles starts with cold-like symptoms that develop about 10 days after becoming infected. This is followed a few days later by the measles rash. Initial symptoms include; a runny or blocked nose, sneezing, watering eyes, swollen eyelids, etc.
There's no specific treatment for measles, but the condition usually improves within 7 to 10 days. Your GP will probably suggest taking things easy at home until you're feeling better.
More common complications of measles include: diarrhoea and vomiting, which can lead to dehydration. Middle ear infection (otitis media), which can cause earache. Eye infection (conjunctivitis) inflammation of the voice box (laryngitis) pneumonia, bronchitis and croup – infections of the airways and lungs.
You can avoid catching measles by having the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. If the MMR vaccine isn't suitable for you , a treatment called human normal immunoglobulin (HNIG) can be used if you're at immediate risk of catching measles.