Measles is a highly contagious illness characterized by a fever, cough, and spreading rash.

The rubeola, or measles infection is spread by droplets from the nose, mouth or throat of an infected person. The incubation period is 7 to 14 days before symptoms generally appear. Susceptible individuals are young infants as the maternal antibody decreases, and those who refuse immunization.

A renowned natural help for measles is Marigold Tea. Try to use fresh dried marigold petals and simmer in water for 15 minutes. Take a tablespoon every few hours.

A bacterial infection may result and cause otitis media, bronchitis, or pneumonia. Encephalitis occurs in approximately 1 out of 3,000 measles cases. Hemorrhagic measles is a rare complication and causes generalized bleeding.

Please seek immediate medical help if:

§ Earache, productive cough, or severe lethargy develop in a person with measles; or if symptoms do not begin to improve within 1 week.

§ Convulsions and/or generalized bleeding occur.