What does fact checked mean?
At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.
First Symptoms of Measles in Toddlers
Measles, also known as rubeola, a highly contagious airborne virus that at one time infected nearly everyone in America, now occurs only rarely in the United States. Symptoms of measles occur in stages, over a period of around four days 3. See your pediatrician for an accurate diagnosis if you suspect your toddler may have measles.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Cold Symptoms
The first symptoms of measles in a toddler seem like cold symptoms, and last around four days. Runny nose, cough, sore throat, malaise and fatigue may all occur. A toddler may be unable to explain that he isn’t feeling well, but may be cranky, lose his appetite, and sleep more than normal. Some toddlers develop reddened eyes, called conjunctivitis, and light sensitivity.
- The first symptoms of measles in a toddler seem like cold symptoms, and last around four days.
- A toddler may be unable to explain that he isn’t feeling well, but may be cranky, lose his appetite, and sleep more than normal.
Fever
Very First Symptoms of Yeast Infection
Learn More
Mild or moderate fever appears sometime during the first four days of symptoms in toddlers, and lasts until after the rash appears. As the rash appears, the fever spikes, going as high as 105 degrees F. The fever begins to subside as the rash spreads.
Koplik's Spots
Koplik’s spots appear in a toddler’s mouth two or three days after the cold symptoms appear, before the rash occurs. Small white spots with bluish centers on a red background, are the hallmark sign of measles. Koplik’s spots start at the back of the inside of the cheek and spread to cover most of the inside of the cheek and lower lip.
Rash
Viral Skin Rash in a Toddler
Learn More
The measles rash appears around day four of illness in the toddler. The reddish-brown rash appears first behind the ears and in the hairline around the forehead, then spreads from the head down over the next three days. The face, neck, trunk, extremities and buttocks are affected by the rash, which may start out as individual spots and then blend together. The rash may be slightly itchy. Measles is contagious four days before until four days after a measles rash appears.
- The measles rash appears around day four of illness in the toddler.
- The face, neck, trunk, extremities and buttocks are affected by the rash, which may start out as individual spots and then blend together.
Related Articles
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Measles
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Transmission of Measles
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Measles -- Signs and Symptoms
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Measles Cases and Outbreaks
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Measles (Rubeola). Signs and Symptoms
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) Vaccination: What Everyone Should Know
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Measles (Rubeola). The Measles Virus Laboratory at CDC
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Scarlet Fever: All You Need to Know
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Measles (Rubeola): For Healthcare Professionals. Updated February 5, 2018.
- Gans H. Measles: Clinical Manifestations, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention. UpToDate. Updated December 5, 2017.
- World Health Organization (WHO). Measles. Updated January 2018.
Writer Bio
A registered nurse with more than 25 years of experience in oncology, labor/delivery, neonatal intensive care, infertility and ophthalmology, Sharon Perkins has also coauthored and edited numerous health books for the Wiley "Dummies" series. Perkins also has extensive experience working in home health with medically fragile pediatric patients.