In a follow-up on the measles outbreak in Okinawa, three newly infected people are being reported by the Okinawa Prefectural Government. This brings the total to 74 cases.
Measles: The ABCs of this very contagious viral disease
Clinical features of measles include prodromal fever, a severe cough, conjunctivitis and coryza. Individuals, especially children, are typically unwell. The most important clinical predictors are the following features:
- generalized, maculopapular rash, usually lasting three or more days, AND
- fever (at least 38°C, if measured) present at the time of rash onset, AND
- cough, coryza or conjunctivitis.
The incubation period is variable and averages 10 days (range: seven to 18 days) from exposure to the onset of fever, with an average of 14 days from exposure to the onset of rash. The infectious period of patients with measles is roughly five days before, to four days after, the appearance of the rash.
Disease X: The exact reason why we need the Global Virome Project
