Chapter 7 of: Manual for the surveillance of vaccine-preventable diseases. 6th Edition, 2013.

Measles is an acute viral illness caused by a virus in the family paramyxovirus, genus Morbillivirus. Measles is characterized by a prodrome of fever (as high as 105°F) and malaise, cough, coryza, and conjunctivitis, followed by a maculopapular rash. The rash usually appears 14 days after exposure and spreads from head to trunk to lower extremities. Measles is usually a mild or moderately severe illness. However, measles can result in complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis and death. Postinfectious encephalitis may occur approximately one per 1,000 reported measles cases. Approximately two to three deaths may occur for every 1,000 reported measles cases.

chpt07-measles.pdf

Stephen B. Thacker CDC Library collection