Measles is a highly contagious viral disease caused by the measles virus and affects mainly children. It primarily spreads in the air through the coughs and sneezes of infected individuals. The disease begins with a fever that lasts for one or two days accompanied by symptoms such as a runny nose, cough, red eyes, and white spots inside the mouth. This is followed by a rash that spreads over the body. Measles progresses quickly and can be harsh towards those with weak immune systems such as infants or the elderly, and it can affect various systems in the body including the respiratory system and the immune system. The effects of measles can range from less severe symptoms like rashes and runny noses to more serious ones like pneumonia or encephalitis (brain swelling), and in rare cases, it can be fatal.
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