About Measles (Rubeola)
Signs and symptoms

Symptoms usually begin 7 to 14 days after exposure but can take as long as 21 days to appear.
Early symptoms
- Fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
Sometimes small, white bumps or spots appear in the mouth. These are called Koplik spots.
As the disease progresses
After a few days, a rash appears, usually on the head or face. As the days pass, the rash spreads to other parts of the body, including the torso, arms and legs.
The rash fades in the same order it appeared.
How it spreads
Measles is very contagious, and people can spread the virus even before the rash appears.
The virus lives in the nose and throat. When someone who has measles talks, sneezes or coughs, tiny droplets with the virus spray into the air. These droplets can stay in the air and contaminate surfaces for up to two hours.
Why it's dangerous
Babies, young children and pregnant women are at higher risk for complications:
- Ear infections
- Diarrhea
- Pneumonia
- Immune amnesia (your body forgets how to fight off diseases like flu and hepatitis)
In some cases, measles can lead to brain inflammation (meningitis) or even death.
This page was last modified on 10/10/2025