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Measles
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Measles comes on suddenly, and it is caused by a virus of the same name, the measles virus. It passes from one person to another with enormous ease: it travels through the air and in respiratory secretions, the saliva and mucus that an infected person releases when coughing, sneezing, or talking. Just sharing the air of a closed room with someone who has it is enough.
What it feels like is fever, a cough, a runny nose, and eyes reddened by conjunctivitis, the irritation of the clear membrane that covers the eye. Along with that comes a rash, meaning a breakout that spreads across the skin. Measles does not always stop there: it can turn into pneumonia, an infection inside the lungs, or into inflammation of the brain.
In brief
Measles is an acute disease caused by the measles virus, and it spreads very easily from person to person.
The virus spreads through the air and through respiratory secretions from an infected person.
The illness commonly involves fever, cough, a runny nose, red eyes from conjunctivitis, and a widespread skin rash. It can also cause serious complications, including pneumonia or inflammation of the brain.
Sources (2)
- Centers for Disease Control and PreventionAbout MeaslesPublished
- Centers for Disease Control and PreventionHow Measles SpreadsPublished
This page explains the topic in general terms; it does not tell anyone what treatment to follow.
Updated