Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that presents with symptoms such as fever, cough, red eyes, and a rash that spreads across the skin. This disease, also referred to as rubeola, can have severe consequences. Complications may include ear infections, seizures (which can lead to convulsions and, in some cases, death), a sudden decrease in blood platelet levels resulting in severe bleeding, or a chronic brain condition known as subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, which can develop months or years after the initial measles infection. Pregnant women who contract the measles virus are at risk for miscarriage or premature birth. Treatment typically involves rest, the application of calamine lotion or other anti-itch remedies to alleviate skin discomfort, the use of non-aspirin pain relievers to reduce fever, and antibiotics if necessary. Vaccination is an effective way to prevent measles. Other names for the disease include hard measles, eight-day measles, nine-day measles, ten-day measles, and morbilli. For further information, see measles encephalitis, measles syndrome, and the MMR vaccine.
