The measles virus is a highly contagious respiratory disease that is becoming more and more rare. What used to be a very common childhood disease, the measles virus has become largely eradicated due to consistent vaccines. Still, in many countries the measles virus persists. Even in the United States, where vaccinations are required of every child, occasional measles virus outbreaks occurs.


The measles virus starts off as an innocent seeming cold in most people. One will often get a runny nose, dry cough, and fever at the outset of the measles virus.



Over the course of a few days, the fever will often spike in excess of 104 degrees, and a blotchy, red or brown rash will appear around the hairline or ears.


The measles virus also is marked by the appearance of Koplik’s spots. These spots are very specific to the measles virus and they appear as red spots with white or blue looking centers. These spots usually appear in the mouth, and along the insides of the cheeks. The appearance of these spots always signal the presence of the measles virus.


Over a period of several days, the measles virus will start to run its course. The large blotches will spread down the body of the patient with many of the blotches running into one another. This will sometimes give the appearance that they are one large blotch.


The measles virus is also highly contagious to those that have not been vaccinated. The measles virus is transmitted via the air. This usually happens when the infected individual coughs or sneezes, but even breathing is a means by which the virus can be transmitted.


Once you have gotten the measles virus once, you are forever immune to future outbreaks. At the ages of 15 months and about five years of age, most every child gets vaccinated from the measles, as well as the mumps and chickenpox. These contagious viruses are no fun at all for children, but they are even more devastating to an adult. Fortunately, very few people get the measles virus now with modern medicines and vaccines.

Tags: 15 Months, Blotch, Blotches, Chickenpox, Childhood Disease, Contagious Respiratory Disease, Coughs, Dry Cough, Hairline, Koplik, Measles Virus, Medicines, Mumps, Outset, Rash, Runny Nose, Sneezes, Vaccinations, Vaccines, Virus Outbreaks