What should you know about rubeola infection?

Measles may start with fever, cough, runny nose, sore eyes or swollen glands. A rash can follow and spread from the face downwards. The sequence is useful information for a clinician, but it is not a diagnosis; other infections can cause similar symptoms. Measles can spread through the air, including before the rash is fully recognised.

A person with suspected infection should keep distance from others, particularly babies and people with weakened immunity, while arranging advice. Do not share towels, cups or close indoor space when this can be avoided.

Call a [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) service before attending and report the symptom order, exposure history and vaccination record. Rest and maintain fluids. Follow the clinician’s advice about isolation, symptom relief and assessment of household contacts. [MMR Vaccination](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/mmr-vaccination/) is the established prevention topic to discuss for eligible people who are not fully protected.

Get urgent help for breathing problems, blue lips, confusion, a seizure, severe dehydration or unusual difficulty waking. Seek prompt clinical advice for [Fever](/symptoms/fever/) with a new rash, especially after contact with measles. Phone ahead rather than entering a waiting room without warning.

Ask whether the illness needs testing, how long to avoid close contact, which symptoms require reassessment, and whether household members need vaccination or monitoring. Record temperature changes, rash progression and fluid intake.