Measles Measles is a highly contagious disease. It is caused by a constantly changing RNA virus. Symptoms of measles usually include severe coughing, sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, sensitivity to light, and very high fever. Red spots with white, granule-like centers appear along the gum line of the mouth two to four days after symptoms first appear. These spots are called Koplik spots because Henry Koplick first noticed them in 1896. The spots are important in diagnosing measles. A characteristic red rash in measles consists of red spots that start at the hairline and move down the face, body, and limbs. Measles usually ends in complete recovery, but some rare complications affecting the lungs and brain may occur. Measles may also be linked to multiple sclerosis and diabetes. In 1978, the US Public Health Service began vaccinating against measles. All school-age children have been vaccinated. Two years later the spread of the measles virus has decreased by 99%. Nowadays, measles is very rare and all children are vaccinated against this measles. Measles is a highly contagious disease. It is caused by a constantly changing RNA virus. Symptoms of measles usually include severe coughing, sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, sensitivity to light, and very high fever. Red spots with white, granule-like centers appear along the gum line of the mouth two to four days after symptoms first appear. These spots are called Koplik spots because Henry Koplick first noticed them in 1896. The spots are important in diagnosing measles. A characteristic red rash in measles consists of red spots that start at the hairline and move down the face, body, and limbs.