Rubeola

Synonyms

Rubella; Measles

Definition

Measles or rubeola is a highly contagious disease of young children, caused by a virus and spread by droplet spray from the nose, mouth, and throat of individuals in the infective stage. This period begins 2 to 4 days before the appearance of the rash and lasts from 2 to 5 days thereafter. The first symptoms of measles, after an incubation period of 7 to 14 days, are fever, nasal discharge, and redness of the eyes. Characteristic white spots appear in the mouth, followed by a rash on the face that spreads to the rest of the body. The symptoms disappear in 4 to 7 days. One attack of measles confers lifelong immunity. Complications are possible such as bronchial pneumonia and encephalitis. Common measles in pregnant women can be a threat to the unborn child, and vaccination of women well before pregnancy is recommended. Immunization by injection of live measles-virus vaccine.