General Information About Measles
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
It is a contagious disease where a virus settles in the respiratory tract, causing rashes covering the entire body and a systemic infection.
It starts with a high fever, severe cough, runny nose, and redness in the eyes. A few days later, white spots inside the cheeks (Koplik spots) appear, followed by red rashes spreading from the face down to the torso.
The disease spreads extremely quickly and easily through virus particles suspended in the air (coughs, sneezes). Just being in the same room as an infected person is enough for transmission.
Yes. Measles is not a harmless rash disease. Especially in infants and people with weak immune systems, it can cause deadly pneumonia, middle ear infections, and brain inflammation (encephalitis).
It is sufficient for diagnosis when an expert physician sees the typical red rashes and Koplik spots inside the mouth during a clinical examination. When necessary, virus antibodies are detected through blood tests.
Because it is viral, antibiotics do not work, and there is no specific medicine for the disease. Treatment is supportive with fever reducers, Vitamin A supplements, and rest. The only definitive method of prevention is the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine given during childhood.
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
