The rash lasts for five days and then peeling of the skin occurs. Several days after the appearance of the rash, the fever abates. The most common complications of measles involve the respiratory tract and the nervous systems. Bacterial super-infection can also cause middle ear infection or pneumonia in severe cases. Encephalitis may be acute or chronic, after measles infection.
Transient hepatitis can also occur.
Malnourished children in developing countries may also develop severe measles. Investigations and Diagnosis Classic measles is diagnosed when a child develops along with cough, cold, conjunctivitis, Koplik's spots and a skin rash. Virus isolation in the laboratory is technically difficult. A four-fold increase in the measles antibody titre in acute and convalescent serum samples is considered diagnostic. The disease is usually self-limited, and supportive therapy such as antipyretics and fluids are indicated.