Do I Have Measles (Rubeola)?

Did you skip to get vaccine against measles for any reason?

Do you have high fever (sometimes to 40C) that lasts 4 to 7 days?

Do you have a runny nose?

Do you have a hacking cough?

Do you have a sore throat?

Do you have conjunctivitis (redness, itchiness, tearing, and a gritty feeling in your eye)?

Do you have small spots with white centers (Koplik's spots) appear on the inside of your cheek?

Do you have a deep, red, flat rash that starts on your face and spreads down to the trunk, arms, legs and feet?

Do you have rash that starts as small distinct lesions, which then combines as one big rash?

Do you have a severe diarrhea?

Have you traveled out of the country recently?

As far as you know, have you been in contact with someone who has measles?

Have your family members living in your household been vaccinated against measles?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have measles. Measles, also known as rubeola is a highly contagious viral infection. The cause of measles is a virus classified as a Morbillivirus. Rubeola can be prevented by regular immunization with the measles vaccine. According to the U.S. vaccination schedule, each person should receive two doses of measles vaccine as children: the first dose at the age of 12 to 15 months and the second dose at the age of 4 to 6 years. The measles vaccine is about 97 percent effective in preventing measles in fully vaccinated people.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have measles. Measles or rubeola is a viral infection caused by a virus called Morbillivirus. Measles is a highly infectious disease that usually appears in the winter and spring. Measles virus lives in the mucus of your nose and throat, and spreads by coughing and sneezing and close personal contact. The virus stays active on infected surfaces or in the air for a maximum of 2 hours. Measles is characterized by a specific rash. A person is contagious 4 days before the rash appears until 4 days after the rash develops. Please see a doctor about your symptoms.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have measles or rubeola. Measles is one of the most contagious diseases in the world. It is caused by a virus. People who are not vaccinated against measles have a 90 percent chance of getting it while they are in a room with someone who has measles. Rubeola is diagnosed based on your medical history, physical examination and blood and urine tests. There is no specific treatment for rubeola. Therapy aims to reduce the severity of symptoms. Treatment may include increased fluid intake, antipyretic medications and vitamin A. Positive results can be visible in a week.