Measles illness typically lasts about 7 to 14 days. For most children, symptoms last around 7 to 10 days, with the rash appearing 3 to 5 days after initial symptoms and lasting about 4 to 7 days

. The overall recovery period is usually within 2 to 3 weeks if there are no complications

. The course of measles infection generally follows these stages:

• Incubation period: 7 to 14 days after exposure, no symptoms yet

• Early symptoms: fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes appear first and last a few days

• Koplik spots appear inside the mouth 2 to 3 days after early symptoms

• Rash onset: 3 to 5 days after initial symptoms, starts on the face and spreads downward, lasting about a week

• Recovery: symptoms improve about a week after rash appears, but cough and skin changes may persist for up to 10 days

People are contagious from about 4 days before the rash appears until 4 days after

. Most recover fully within 2 to 3 weeks, although complications can extend illness duration. In summary, measles lasts roughly 1 to 2 weeks of active symptoms and rash, with full recovery usually by 2 to 3 weeks after onset