Key Symptoms of Measles: An Infectious Disease That Can Lead to Blindness

Measles, a highly contagious infectious disease, can cause severe complications, including blindness, particularly in children. According to official NHS guidance, measles spreads easily and can lead to serious health issues beyond its initial symptoms.

One challenge in managing measles is its early symptoms often resemble those of the common cold—such as a high fever, sneezing, coughing, and a runny nose—making early diagnosis difficult. However, as the infection progresses, more distinctive signs appear.

Key symptoms that typically develop after the initial phase include the appearance of small white spots inside the mouth, especially on the inside of the cheeks and the back of the lips, which usually last a few days. Following this, a characteristic rash emerges, beginning on the face and behind the ears before spreading across the body. This rash features raised spots that join together to form blotchy patches and are generally not itchy.

Although these symptoms may seem manageable initially, measles can escalate and lead to serious health complications if it spreads to other organs. For instance, if the infection reaches the lungs, it can cause pneumonia; in rarer cases, it can result in seizures, meningitis, or blindness.

Recent events highlight the importance of awareness, as a child in Liverpool tragically died due to measles complications. This has led to an increase in hospital admissions at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital for measles-related issues. Despite these concerns, data from the UK Health Security Agency indicates a downward trend in measles cases this year, with 529 confirmed cases so far, compared to 2,911 in 2024, the highest yearly total since 2012.

Most measles cases improve within a week, and NHS advises supportive care to alleviate symptoms. This includes using paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce fever, staying well-hydrated, and gently cleaning the eyes with cotton wool soaked in warm water to remove any crusting.

Vaccination remains the most effective way to protect against measles and its potentially severe complications. Ensuring children and adults are appropriately immunized is key to reducing the risk of infection and safeguarding public health.