MEASLES SYMPTOMS |
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Towards the end of the incubation period your
child will develop cold-like symptoms such as:
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Runny nose |
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Nasal congestion |
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Sneezing |
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Dry cough |
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Diarrhoea |
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Fever between 39 and 40 degrees celsius
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Conjunctivitis (eye infection) |
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Koplik’s spots (small, bright red spots with tiny bluish-white
centres) develop on the lining of the mouth. These are
diagnostic of measles in the first few days, even before the
recognisable red rash appears. |
Later, the infected child will develop a raised, reddish rash, which
starts behind the ears, spreads to the face and trunk, and extends
to the arms and legs. These lesions whiten when pressure is applied
and are due to an allergic reaction in the skin. The spots sometimes
join to produce large red blotchy areas, and turn dark red and then
brown before the skin begins to fall off in small flakes.
Your child will feel unwell and miserable for the 4-5 days that the
rash lasts. After day five he should begin to feel better and
although the rash will disappear, it is replaced by a brownish
discoloration, which may last for up to two months. The lymph glands
may also be enlarged. Fever should subside within a few days of the
rash’s appearance but if the fever persists, a complication should
be suspected. |
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| MEASLES RELATED ITEMS |
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