Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that affects the respiratory system and is caused by the measles virus. The symptoms of measles typically appear about 10-14 days after exposure to the virus and can include:
High fever
Cough
Runny nose
Red, watery eyes
Skin rash that usually starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body
Measles can also cause complications, especially in young children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems. Some of the possible complications include:
Ear infections
Pneumonia
Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)
Seizures
Death (in rare cases)
Measles can affect several organs in the body, including the lungs, brain, and skin. The virus primarily targets cells in the respiratory tract, but it can also spread to other parts of the body. The rash that appears during the infection is caused by an immune response to the virus and can be accompanied by itching, swelling, and sometimes even blisters