The U.S. measles vaccine program has reduced cases from millions in the 1950s and 1960s to a low of 37 in 2004. The disease is making a bit of a comeback, however, and parents and even doctors do not always recognize the symptoms, the Washington Post reported.

Infection

Measles, also called rubeola, invades cells that line the back of the throat and the lungs. It is highly contagious and spreads through the air, and it is particularly dangerous for babies and young children.

Symptoms

The first symptom is a high fever. Next comes runny nose, cough and red eyes. Finally, a rash of tiny red spots begins at the head and travels down the body, but the desease is contagious well before the rash begins.

Complications

  • Encephalitis – a brain swelling, that can leave children deaf or mentally impaired. From every thousand US children who get measles, one or two will die from it.
  • Ear infection
  • Pneumonia
  • Diarrhea
How to recognize measles