Measles is a highly contagious viral disease caused by the measles virus (a member of the Paramyxoviridae family). It spreads mainly through airborne droplets from coughing and sneezing, and people can be infectious for several days before and after the rash appears. Common signs include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a characteristic “Koplik spots” inside the mouth, followed by a spreading red rash that typically starts on the face and moves downward. Vaccination is the primary prevention method. Key points

• Causative agent: measles virus (rubeola) [Measles](javascript:void(0))
• Transmission: airborne spread of respiratory droplets and contact with secretions [Measles](javascript:void(0))
• Typical timeline: incubation about 10–14 days; prodrome with fever, cough, coryza, and conjunctivitis; rash follows after 3–5 days of prodrome [Measles](javascript:void(0))
• Complications: diarrhea, ear infections, pneumonia; in some cases encephalitis or subsidence of immunity; higher risk in infants and malnourished individuals [Measles](javascript:void(0))
• Prevention: vaccination with the measles-containing vaccine (often given as part of the MMR or similar schedules); herd immunity is important to protect those who cannot be vaccinated [Measles](javascript:void(0))

If you’d like, I can tailor this to a specific audience (parents, healthcare professionals, or students), summarize symptoms versus other common illnesses, or provide vaccination guidelines and public health considerations for different regions.