Summary | Measles

Summary

Measles is caused by a virus. This virus is transmitted by droplet infection from person to person – for example, by coughing and sneezing. Due to the high risk of infection, measles usually occurs as a children’s disease and is very common in kindergarten and school.

Once the patients are sick with measles, the virus leaves a lifelong immunity, which means that one cannot get sick with measles again. It takes about 5 to 8 days until the disease breaks out. After about 14 days the typical rash appears.

One can distinguish two stages: In the second stage the typical rash develops, which typically starts behind the ears. Here again, a fever increase occurs. This bipolar fever is typical.

A third increase is observed at most with complications, such as the additional bacterial infection. Despite vaccinations, about 30 million people still fall ill every year – mostly in developing countries.

• The first stage manifests itself through flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough and also conjunctivitis.
• Later, the entire oral mucosa, which was previously covered with whitish spots, becomes red. This stage lasts about three to four days.