Since German Physicians were the first to describe this disease in the middle of the eighteenth century, this disease also came to be known as German measles. This is a common infection found mainly in children.

The incubation period of this disease is generally between one to two weeks. The first and most important symptom of this highly contagious and infectious disease is the appearance of rashes on the skin. The disease also affects the respiratory tracts and can sometime cause breathing difficulties. The other important symptom is the high fever which occurs when the rashes appear on the skin. The infected person also suffers from cold and constant cough, sneezing, loss of appetite, and watery red eyes. Recovery time is about five to seven days after the rashes appear.

Measles is spread through droplets in the air and hence isolation and bed rest are the best treatments for this disease. Also, Acetaminophen helps in reducing the high fever associated with the infection.

Measles can be prevented by immunizing the child with the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps and rubella). But this is a non-recurring infection, which means, once a person contracts measles, it gives life-long immunity against the disease.

However, if proper care is not taken, measles can lead to further complication like pneumonia and ear infection. Children recover faster than adults as adults may suffer severe symptoms and could potentially be hospitalized.

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