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The first outward signs of infection are cold-like symptoms such as tiredness, runny nose, red eyes, and a cough. These are accompanied by a high fever of up to 105 F(40.6 C). These symptoms escalate over the next 4 days and Kopliks spots appear in the mouth. These spots are small, reddened areas with a blue-white centre, and are characteristic of measles, often aiding in diagnosis.
The measles rash appears approximately 14 days after exposure, and there is still a high fever at this time. It begins as small red/brown spots, which then blend together. The rash begins on the forehead and gradually moves downwards and out to the limbs, over the next 3 days. Symptoms usually wane and then disappear 2 days after this.
Overall the illness usually last around 14 days. The rash fades about 4 days after it reaches it's peak, again beginning at the head and moving downwards and outwards.
Possible complications of measles include; conjunctivitis, blindness, encephalitis, pneumonia, bronchitis, bronchiolitis, hepatitis, seizures and heart damage.
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