What is Measles?

Measles, also known as Rubeola is defined by the Cleavland Clinic as a highly contagious illness caused by a virus. It causes a widespread rash and flu-like symptoms. (Cleavland Clinic, 2025)

Cleveland Clinic. (2025, February 28). Measles: Rash, causes, symptoms, treatment & prevention. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8584-measles

What are some signs and symptoms of Measles?

Some signs and symptoms of measles include:

  • High fever
  • Barky cough
  • Red or bloodshot eyes
  • Runny Nose
  • Tiredness
  • Res spots with white centers in your mouth (Koplik’s spots)
  • Rash
  • Digestive symptoms, like diarrhea, stomach pain, and vomiting
  • Sore throat
  • Muscle pain
  • Headache

Not all measles symptoms appear all at once. Fever, cough, and runny nose may appear first. 2 to 3 days later Koplik’s spots might appear and fade when the rash arrives. 3 to 5 days later a rash may appear along with a high fever.

What does Measles Look Like?

The measles rash usually starts with flat spots on your face. On lighter skin it appears red and on darker skin it might appear purple or darker than the skin around it.

The rash spreads downward from your neck, chest, back, arms, legs, and feet.

Cleveland Clinic. (2025, February 28). Measles: Rash, causes, symptoms, treatment & prevention. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8584-measles

How does Measles Spread and Who is at Risk?

Measles is an airborne disease which means it can spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, breathes, or talks. The airborne droplets can last for up to two hours in a space even after the infected person leaves. droplets can also land on surfaces you touch. Measles can spread by:

  • Being around someone with measles, including talking, sharing food or drinks, kissing, shaking hands, or hugging.
  • Touching a surface or object containing the measles virus and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.
  • Vertical transmission - from pregnant person to fetus or baby during pregnancy, delivery, or while breastfeeding.

Measles is highly contagious and can spread easily from person to person.

Cleveland Clinic. (2025, February 28). Measles: Rash, causes, symptoms, treatment & prevention. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8584-measles

Those who are at risk for Measles are individuals who are:

  • Older than 20 or younger than 5
  • Are pregnant
  • Have a weakened immune system (immunocompromised)
  • Are not vaccinated for Measles

How do you Prevent the Spread of Measles?

While there is no specific cure for Measles, there are ways to prevent and reduce the spread of measles. The following tips are:

  • Wearing a mask to reduce airborne droplets in the atmosphere
  • Getting your MMR vaccine is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of measles and prevent you from contracting measles
  • Self-isolate if you are infected to reduce the spread to those around you
  • Practicing good hygiene like washing your hands and covering sneezes and coughs reduces the risk of transmission

Cleveland Clinic. (2025, February 28). Measles: Rash, causes, symptoms, treatment & prevention. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8584-measles

World Health Organization. (2026, July 15). Measles. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/measles