Course of measles disease | Measles in adults

Course of measles disease

Measles has a two-phase course. The first phase, called the “prodromal phase” or “catarrhal pre-stage”, includes flu-like cold symptoms such as fever, rhinitis, cough and conjunctivitis of the eyes. After about three days, a rash also appears in the oral cavity that resembles calcareous splashes.

It cannot be wiped off, is called “Koplik spots” and is very specific for measles. This phase lasts for three to seven days until a short intermittent defever occurs and is followed by the “exanthema stage”. It is characterized by high fever, a severe feeling of illness and a large rash that starts behind the ears and then spreads over the entire body.This rash begins to fade after four to five days. It can be expected to last two to three weeks. As a result of a measles disease, the immune system is weakened, which can often last for months or years.

Measles during pregnancy

A measles infection is particularly threatening during pregnancy. On the one hand, the measles virus can cross the placenta and thus infect the unborn child. On the other hand, the viruses often cause miscarriages and premature births, which are difficult to stop.

For this and other reasons, it is advisable before a desired pregnancy to have a look at the vaccination record and, if necessary, a vaccination against measles, preferably in combination with mumps and rubella. A further advantage of the vaccination is the nest protection it provides. Even before the baby can be vaccinated, he or she receives antibodies in the breast milk that protect him or her from infection.

Incubation period – since when am I infected?

The incubation period for measles is assumed to be eight to ten days. This describes the time between contact with the virus and the first signs of the disease. After about 14 days after virus kotakt the rash, which shows up behind the ears at the beginning, appears. The patient is most contagious five days before and four days after the rash.