Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that is no longer common as vaccine for it is available.

However, young adults, who did not get immunized against the virus during childhood, can still contract the disease. When an infected person sneezes or coughs, the airborne droplets contain the measles virus. Any person breathing in these droplets will become infected.The symptoms of measles manifest themselves around 7 to 11 days after the person has been exposed to the virus. The first symptoms that develop are very similar to a cold. The person will suffer from fever, runny nose, cough and a sore throat. During this time, the person will develop characteristic spots on the cheeks and tongue. A few days later, the person will develop a rash that first appears behind the ears and on the forehead near the hairline. From here the rash spreads to the rest of the body. At the same time, the spots in the mouth disappear and also the rash from the face begins to disappear. The rash is bright red in color and blotchy in appearance. When the rash makes an appearance, it is quite possible that the infected person also develops conjunctivitis.

There is no treatment for measles. The doctor will advise bed rest and intake of fluids to keep the body hydrated. Nonetheless, the person could be given medication to help alleviate the symptoms of the disease. However, once a person gets measles, he develops life long immunity to the disease.

Sometimes, measles can cause complications like pneumonia, ear infection, encephalitis or meningitis. These complications can be fatal or cause permanent disability like deafness. So, it is best to immunize a child against measles.

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