About 8 to 12 days after being infected with the measles virus, a person may begin to develop signs and symptoms. Some early symptoms of measles include high fever, hacking cough, and red, watery eyes. Approximately 20 percent of people with measles will develop one or more complications associated with the disease.
An Overview of Measles Symptoms and Signs
When a person becomes infected with the measles virus, it begins to multiply within the cells that line the back of the throat and the lungs. After 8 to 12 days, on average, early measles symptoms can begin. The period between the measles transmission and the start of symptoms is called the measles incubation period.
These early symptoms of measles usually last three to four days, although they can last as little as one day or as long as eight days, before the measles rash begins.
One to two days before the rash appears, small red lesions with blue-white centers (known as Koplik's spots) appear on the inside of the mouth and tongue, and occasionally on the whites of the eyes or inside the intestines.
Measles Symptoms: The Rash
The early symptoms of measles usually disappear one to two days after the rash appears, although the cough may continue until all symptoms are gone.
The measles rash is red and blotchy, and usually appears about 14 days after exposure to the virus. It lasts five to six days (see Pictures of Measles). It begins at the hairline, then moves to the face and upper neck. Over the next three days, the rash gradually moves downward and outward, reaching the hands and feet. It will stay in an area for about three days and then fade. It fades in the same order that the rash first appeared. As the rash disappears, a brown discoloration of the skin may be noticed.
eMedTV serves only as an informational resource. This site does not dispense medical advice or advice of any kind.
Site users seeking medical advice about their specific situation should consult with their own physician. Click
Terms of Use for more information.
Would you like to view your HealthSavvy Programs now, or stay on this page and continue reading this article?
In order for us to best serve you and provide you with the best information, can you please tell us if you currently have health insurance?
In order for us to create your customized HealthSavvy programs, we need a little more information about the health topic(s) that you are interested in.
Press "Continue" button below to begin selecting your HealthSavvy topic(s).
Are You Sure?
You've chosen to add topics from the topic group to your selected topics.
Are you sure you want to add all of these topics?
Are You Sure?
You've chosen to clear all of your selected topics. Remember, you need at least one selected topic to use HealthSavvy. If you choose this option, it cannot be undone, and you'll need to choose at least new topic to continue using your HealthSavvy programs.
Are you still sure that you want to clear all of you selected topics?