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Measles Disease
Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that is spread through the coughs and sneezes of infected people. Also known as rubeola, the disease often causes symptoms such as:
- A red, blotchy rash
- High fever
- Hacking cough
- Red lesions on the inside of the mouth.
Widespread vaccination has resulted in very few reported cases of measles in the United States. However, it is still a very common illness worldwide. Because there is currently no proven treatment that can kill the virus that causes measles, the best way to prevent it is to get the measles vaccine.
(To learn more about this disease, including the prognosis, click Measles.)
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD