Rubeola (Measles)

Rubeola is usually a more severe disease than rubella. Other names include measles, hard measles, and 14-day measles. A brassy cough, coryza, conjunctivitis, and fever appear 3 to 4 days before the rash (exanthem).

Corya and Conjunctivitis	Cough (harsh and brassy)
	brassycough- sound file

Koplik's spots (blue-white spots with a red halo) appear on the buccal mucous membrane opposite the premolar teeth 24 to 48 hours before the exanthem and remain for 2 to 4 days.

Koplik spots	Koplik spots	Koplik spots

The rash begins on the fourth or fifth day on the face and behind the ears. In 24 to 36 hours, it spreads to the trunk and extremities. The rash contains slightly elevated maculopapules that vary in size from 0.1 to 1.0 cm and vary in color from dark red to a purplish hue. They are frequently confluent on both the face and body. The early rash blanches on pressure.

Measles Rash- earlier in the disease	Measles Rash- later in the disease

Last revised 11/27/13

Take Care and Think Microbiologically!

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