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Here is a great way to tell if you or anyone is getting measles. These are very clear symptoms, so if you see any of these listed be sure to go to your Drs. right away to get checked.

An Overview of measles Symptoms
When a person becomes infected with the measles virus, the virus begins to multiply within the cells that line the back of the throat and the lungs. After 8 to 12 days, on average, early measles symptoms can begin. The period between the measles transmission and the start of measles symptoms is called the measles incubation period.

Early Symptoms of measles
Early measles symptoms can include:

* High fever (up to 105°F or 40.6°C)
* Tiredness
* Muscle and body aches
* Irritability
* Red, watery eyes (pinkeye)
* Swelling of the eyelids
* Hacking cough
* Runny nose.

These early measles symptoms usually last three to four days (although they can last as little as one day or as long as eight days) before the measles rash begins.

One to two days before the measles rash appears, small red lesions with blue-white centers (known as Koplik’s spots) appear on the inside of the mouth and tongue, and occasionally on the whites of the eyes or inside the intestines.

measles Symptoms — The Rash
The early measles symptoms usually disappear one to two days after the rash appears, although the cough may continue until all measles symptoms are gone.

The measles rash is a red, blotchy rash that usually appears about 14 days after exposure to the virus. It lasts five to six days (see Pictures of measles). It begins at the hairline, then moves to the face and upper neck. Over the next three days, the rash gradually moves downward and outward, reaching the hands and feet. The measles rash will stay in an area for about three days and then fade. It fades in the same order that the rash first appeared. As the rash disappears, a brown discoloration of the skin may be noticed.

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