Search results
4 days ago · At a glance. Below are examples of measles rashes on the human body. They usually begin as flat red spots that appear on the face at the hairline and spread downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet. Some of these photos might be unsuitable for children. Viewing discretion is advised.
Apr 9, 2024 · Learn how to recognize the signs of measles and its distinctive rash, which usually starts on the face and spreads downward. See photos of measles rash and complications, and when to seek medical attention.
- On this page
- Symptoms
- When to see a doctor
- From Mayo Clinic to your inbox
- Causes
- Risk factors
- Complications
- Prevention
- News from Mayo Clinic
- GeneratedCaptionsTabForHeroSec
•Overview
•Symptoms
•When to see a doctor
•Causes
•Risk factors
•Complications
Measles signs and symptoms appear around 10 to 14 days after exposure to the virus. Signs and symptoms of measles typically include:
•Fever
•Dry cough
•Runny nose
•Sore throat
•Inflamed eyes (conjunctivitis)
Call your health care provider if you think you or your child may have been exposed to measles or if you or your child has a rash that looks like measles.
Review your family's vaccination records with your provider, especially before your children start day care, school or college and before international travel outside of the U.S.
Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health. Click here for an email preview.
To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. If we combine this information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail.
Measles is a highly contagious illness. This means it's very easily spread to others. Measles is caused by a virus found in the nose and throat of an infected child or adult. When someone with measles coughs, sneezes or talks, infectious droplets spray into the air, where other people can breathe them in. The infectious droplets can hang in the air for about an hour.
The infectious droplets may also land on a surface, where they can live and spread for several hours. You can get the measles virus by putting your fingers in your mouth or nose or rubbing your eyes after touching the infected surface.
Risk factors for measles include:
•Being unvaccinated. If you haven't had the measles vaccine, you're much more likely to get measles.
•Traveling internationally. If you travel to countries where measles is more common, you're at higher risk of catching measles.
•Having a vitamin A deficiency. If you don't have enough vitamin A in your diet, you're more likely to have more-severe symptoms and complications of measles.
Complications of measles may include:
•Diarrhea and vomiting. Diarrhea and vomiting can result in losing too much water from the body (dehydration).
•Ear infection. One of the most common complications of measles is a bacterial ear infection.
•Bronchitis, laryngitis or croup. Measles may lead to irritation and swelling (inflammation) of the airways (croup). It can also lead to inflammation of the inner walls that line the main air passageways of the lungs (bronchitis). Measles can also cause inflammation of the voice box (laryngitis).
•Pneumonia. Measles can commonly cause an infection in the lungs (pneumonia). People with weakened immune systems can develop an especially dangerous type of pneumonia that sometimes can lead to death.
•Encephalitis. About 1 in 1,000 people with measles can develop a complication called encephalitis. Encephalitis is irritation and swelling (inflammation) of the brain. The condition can be especially dangerous for people with weakened immune systems. Encephalitis may occur right after measles, or it might not occur until months later. Encephalitis can cause permanent brain damage.
Measles vaccine in children
The measles vaccine is usually given as a combined measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. This vaccine may also include the chickenpox (varicella) vaccine — measles-mumps-rubella-varicella (MMRV) vaccine. Health care providers recommend that children receive the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine between 12 and 15 months of age, and again between 4 and 6 years of age — before entering school. The MMR vaccine's two doses are 97% effective in preventing measles and protecting against it for life. In the small number of people who get measles after being vaccinated, the symptoms are generally mild. Keep in mind:
Measles vaccine in adults
You may need the measles vaccine if you're an adult who does not have proof of immunity and: Proof of immunity — protection from getting measles infection — includes:
Preventing measles during an outbreak or known infection
If someone in your household has measles, take these precautions to protect family and friends without immunity:
•Preventing measles outbreaks in the US through vaccination
•Researchers map how measles virus spreads in human brain
Learn about the signs and symptoms of measles, a highly contagious viral infection that can cause fever, rash, cough and more. See pictures of measles rash and complications, and how to prevent the disease with vaccination.
Mar 30, 2019 · See what rubeola (measles) looks like and how to recognize its signs and complications. Learn about the rash, Koplik's spots, and other infections with rashes that resemble measles.
Aug 21, 2019 · Learn about measles, a highly contagious viral infection that causes a rash, fever, cough, and more. See pictures of what measles looks like and how to prevent and treat it.
- Valencia Higuera
Measles is a highly contagious disease that can lead to serious complications. Symptoms usually begin 7 to 14 days after infection. Measles can be dangerous, especially for babies and young children.
People also ask
What are some examples of measles rash?
What does a measles rash look like?
How do you know if you have measles?
Mar 15, 2024 · See pictures of measles rash and learn how to identify signs of the highly contagious virus. Find out where measles is spreading in the U.S. and how to prevent outbreaks with vaccination.
