Rubeola (Measles)

What Is Rubeola (Measles)?

Rubeola (measles) is an infection caused by a virus that grows in the cells lining the throat and lungs. It’s a very contagious disease that spreads through the air whenever someone who is infected coughs or sneezes. People who catch the measles develop symptoms like a fever, cough, runny nose, and the telltale rash that is the hallmark of the disease. If measles isn’t treated, it can lead to complications like ear infection, pneumonia, and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).

• Other Infections with Rashes

  Rubeola (measles) is often confused with roseola and rubella (German measles), but these three conditions are different. Measles produces a splotchy reddish rash that spreads from head to foot. Roseola is a condition that affects infants and toddlers. It causes a rash to form on the trunk, which spreads to the upper arms and neck and fades within days. Rubella is a viral disease with symptoms including a rash and fever that last two to three days.
  
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  Other Infections with Rashes

  Rubeola (measles) is often confused with roseola and rubella (German measles), but these three conditions are different. Measles produces a splotchy reddish rash that spreads from head to foot. Roseola is a condition that affects infants and toddlers. It causes a rash to form on the trunk, which spreads to the upper arms and neck and fades within days. Rubella is a viral disease with symptoms including a rash and fever that last two to three days.
  

   

   

   

  Koplik’s Spots

  Two to three days after you first notice measles symptoms, you may start to see tiny spots inside the mouth, all over the cheeks. These spots are usually red with blue-white centers. They’re called Koplik’s spots, named for pediatrician Henry Koplik, MD, who first described the early symptoms of measles in 1896. Koplik’s spots should fade as the other measles symptoms disappear.