What is measles ? Measles is a common viral infection caused by
the measles virus. It is characterized by symptoms of cold and
fever followed by appearance of classical rash. How does measles
spread ? Measles usually is seen in children below 3 years of
age. It is unusual before 6 months of age due to protection
provided by mother?s antibodies present in the baby which it
acquires when in the womb. After 6 months of age, these
antibodies start waning and a child becomes susceptible to
measles. Measles spreads through airborne droplets by sneezing
and coughing from an infected patient and also on direct contact
with the rash. Is measles contagious ? Measles is a highly
infectious disease. An infected patient can transmit the virus 4
days before and 5 days after the appearance of the rash. What
are the symptoms of measles ? The patient initially has fever,
cold, cough and malaise that lasts for 2-4 days. Rash appears on
the 4th to the 6th day of fever and is reddish which starts from
behind the ears, involves t