Measles Home page Send to a friend Print this page Search for new topic
Definition


Measles Definition
Common names:
  • Measles
  • Rubeola
What are measles?
A person with measles has a viral infection that causes cold symptoms, swollen glands in the neck, and a rash. Measles are rare in the US because of vaccination programs for measles. There are less than 100 cases reported each year in the US. In most cases, symptoms of measles last for 10 to 14 days, and then resolve without treatment. Images

What are the symptoms of measles?
Initial symptoms of measles include a runny nose, sinus congestion, dry cough, hoarse voice, eye redness, and mouth lesions. Additional symptoms of measles appear about 4 days after the initial symptoms. Additional symptoms include a fever and a rash, which begins on the forehead and behind the ears, and then spreads to involve the chest, arms, and legs.

How does the doctor treat measles?
There is no cure for measles. Treatment for measles includes rest, oral fluids, and acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications for pain and fever.

Continue to Measles Incidence
About freeMD FAQ Terms of Use New Visitor Feedback
freeMD is provided for information purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for evaluation and treatment by a physician. Please review our terms of use.

Last Updated: Apr 20, 2009  References
Authors: Stephen J. Schueler, MDJohn H. Beckett, MDD. Scott Gettings, MD
Copyright 1989-2009 DSHI Systems, Inc.   Powered by: freeMD
Site Map
Measles References: