Rubeola

Synonym(s)

Measles; rubeola morbilli; rubeola measles

Definition

Acute, contagious, viral disease characterized by distinct red lesions in the mouth followed by a generalized eruption

Pathogenesis

Measles virus infects respiratory epithelium; transmitted via respiratory droplets; replication in lymph nodes leads to viremia; infection of endothelial cells ensues, causing enanthem (Koplik spots); infection of epithelial cells leads to skin eruption

Clinical manifestation

Incubation period from 7–14 days (average 10–11 days); communicable just before the beginning of prodromal symptoms, until approximately 4 days following the onset of the exanthem; prodrome of cough, coryza, conjunctivitis, fever, photophobia

Enanthem (Koplik spots): blue-white spots surrounded by red halo; appear on buccal mucosa opposite the premolar teeth; predate exanthem by 24–48 hours and last approximately 2–4 days.

Exanthem: begins on the fourth or fifth day after onset of symptoms; appears as slightly elevated...