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This is a highly contagious infectious disease caused by a virus of the Paramyxoviridae family in the genus Morbillivirus. The virus is spread through droplets produced by breathing, coughing or in secretions of the nose, mouth or throat. Symptom onset is usually characterized with fever, general discomfort, cold-like symptoms, red eyes, dry cough and the manifestation of small white spots in the mouth. The characteristic skin lesions appear about three days after the onset of symptoms. A suspected diagnosis is established by taking the medical history and performing a physical examination. Diagnosis is confirmed through blood samples (serology), urine samples or samples of pharyngeal secretions. There is no specific treatment for measles. Symptomatic treatment is recommended.
- Hayley Gans, MD, Yvonne A Maldonado, MD. Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of measles. UpToDate. Feb 05, 2016.
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Dr. Elvira Moreno
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