General information only. This Parent Resource summarizes WHO measles information and is not a diagnosis tool.

What is measles?

WHO describes measles as a highly contagious disease caused by a virus. It can affect anyone but is most common in children and can lead to severe complications and death.

How does measles spread?

WHO states that measles spreads easily when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. The virus first infects the respiratory tract and then spreads throughout the body.

What symptoms does WHO describe?

WHO lists high fever, cough, runny nose and a widespread rash among characteristic measles symptoms. These features can occur in other illnesses as well, so a symptom list cannot confirm measles in an individual child.

Why is measles considered serious?

WHO explains that measles can cause complications, particularly in young children and other vulnerable groups. Its fact sheet identifies complications involving the ears, eyes, respiratory system and brain among possible serious outcomes.

How is measles prevented at population level?

WHO identifies vaccination as the most effective way to prevent measles and describes high population vaccination coverage as important for reducing transmission and protecting communities.

A rash plus fever has many possible causes. This article cannot identify the cause of symptoms in an individual child. A qualified health professional uses clinical information and, where applicable, public-health testing pathways.

Related ChildSpecialist.in information

For India-specific information about the public immunization programme, see childhood vaccination in India. For another contagious childhood viral illness, see chickenpox in children.

References

  1. World Health Organization. Measles, 15 July 2026.