What should you know about coryza in measles?

Coryza is nasal inflammation that causes a runny or blocked nose, sneezing, and watery discharge. In measles, it commonly appears with cough, fever, and red or watery eyes before or around the time a rash develops. The combination can resemble another viral illness, so coryza alone cannot confirm measles. Measles spreads easily through the air, including when an infected person coughs or sneezes. A person may be infectious before the rash is obvious, which makes advance contact with a clinic important.

If measles is possible, phone a GP Consultation service before arriving and describe the fever, coryza, cough, eye symptoms, rash, travel, and vaccination history. Stay away from school, work, healthcare waiting rooms, and people at higher risk until a clinician gives advice. Encourage fluids and rest, and use only age-appropriate medicines as directed. MMR Vaccination protects against measles and can be reviewed with a clinician after the immediate assessment.

Seek urgent help for breathing difficulty, unusual sleepiness, confusion, dehydration, a seizure, severe headache, or a child who is difficult to wake. Contact a clinician promptly for fever with a new widespread rash, especially after exposure or travel. Do not arrive unannounced if measles is suspected because others may be exposed.

Could these symptoms be measles, and how long should I avoid close contact? Does anyone exposed need advice about vaccination or monitoring? Which warning signs should prompt emergency care?