As a public health expert with a focus on infectious diseases, I can provide you with information on the early signs and symptoms of measles. Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that primarily affects children. The first symptoms of measles typically include:
1. High fever: This is often the first noticeable symptom, which can reach up to 105 degrees Fahrenheit (40.5 degrees Celsius).
2. Cough: A persistent cough is common in the early stages of measles.
3. Runny nose: Similar to a common cold, measles can cause a runny nose.
4. Red and watery eyes (conjunctivitis): The eyes may become inflamed and sensitive to light.
5. Koplik's spots: These are small white spots with blue-white centers on a red background, found inside the mouth. They appear about two days after the other symptoms and last for a few days before the rash appears.
A few days after these symptoms appear, a
rash develops. The rash often begins as flat red spots on the face at the hairline and spreads downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet. Small raised bumps may also appear on top of the flat red spots.
It's important to note that measles can have serious complications, and vaccination is the best way to prevent the disease.
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