Measles

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that spreads through the air and can cause serious illness, complications, and even death: 

1. Symptoms

   Measles usually starts with a fever, cough, runny nose, or conjunctivitis, followed by a rash that appears 2–4 days later. The rash starts on the face and head and spreads to the rest of the body, and can include flat and raised spots that may join together. Other symptoms include red and watery eyes, and small red spots with bluish-white centers inside the mouth called Koplik spots. 

2. Complications

   Measles can lead to complications, especially in children under 5, such as diarrhea, ear infection. More serious complications could be pneumonia, encephalitis (brain inflammation) and death. 

3. Prevention

   The best way to prevent measles is to get the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. The MMR vaccine provides long-lasting protection against all strains of measles.