The symptoms of measles generally appear about seven to 14 days after a person is infected.

Measles typically begins with

• high fever,
• cough,
• runny nose (coryza), and
• red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis).

Two or three days after symptoms begin, tiny white spots (Koplik spots) may appear inside the mouth.

Koplik Spots

Mouth of a patient with Koplik spots, an early sign of measles infection.

Three to five days after symptoms begin, a rash breaks out. It usually begins as flat red spots that appear on the face at the hairline and spread downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet. Small raised bumps may also appear on top of the flat red spots. The spots may become joined together as they spread from the head to the rest of the body. When the rash appears, a person’s fever may spike to more than 104° Fahrenheit.

Measles Rash

Skin of a patient after 3 days of measles infection.

According to health officials, the number of U.S. measles cases through the first three months of this year have surpassed the count for all of 2018. There have been 387 cases of measles through March of 2019 compared to 372 cases reported for all of last year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

This year’s numbers have been driven by outbreaks in several states, including New York, California, Texas, Illinois and Washington.

Measles is spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and it is extremely contagious. Health officials said most people who contract measles have not been vaccinated. The measles vaccine is 97% effective, according to the CDC.

Cosmo Insurance Agency is an independent insurance agency serving surrounding communities in New Jersey. Cosmo keeps its promise to assure an efficient and creative approach to the services we offer. Each of our clients experience a personalized and long-term relationship with us. Our New Jersey based team of health brokers guides our clients in helping them choose the most cost-effective options. By incorporating the latest in technology-based tools and laws on healthcare, employee benefits, life insurance and finance, we keep our clients up-to-date with the plans that encompass all of their needs, whether it is individual or group insurance. 

CONTACT COSMO NOW

GET A HEALTH INSURANCE QUOTE NOW

LEARN MORE ABOUT HEALTH INSURANCE

GET A DENTAL INSURANCE QUOTE