ABSTRACT

DEFINITION AND CLINICAL FEATURES This is an infection with an RNA myxovirus, giving rise to upper respiratory symptoms, rash, and fever. Measles is usually contracted in childhood. It became less common with effective immunization. The incubation period is about 10 days. Clinical features are fever, catarrh, and conjunctivitis, followed after 3 or 4 days by the appearance of Koplik’s spots (pale spots on a red base) on the buccal mucosa. The rash usually develops a day or two later. It first shows behind the ears but rapidly becomes generalized as a maculopapular rash (459). After 7-10 days the rash fades with fine peeling. In immunosuppressed or malnourished patients the rash can either be more severe with purpura or may be minimal with rapid spread of the virus to the lungs and brain.