Clinical Features Clinical features include prodromal fever, conjunctivitis, coryza, cough and Koplik's spots on the buccal mucosa. The characteristic red, blotchy rash appears on the third to seventh day. It begins on the face before becoming generalised. It generally lasts four to seven days.
Complications can include otitis media, pneumonia and encephalitis.
Persons who have been previously immunised may present with non-classical features. Cough or coryza or conjunctivitis or Koplik's spots. It was once a common, acute highly communicable disease with potentially serious sequelae. It is much rarer since the introduction of widespread immunisation, but epidemics are still occurring, especially in school-aged children. Death is rare but does occur.