Measles is highly contagious and transmitted through the air. Contagious particles can remain in the air for hours after an infected person leaves an area. Symptoms typically begin eight to 10 days after initial exposure to the virus, and then develop in stages. Early symptoms include a high fever – typically between 103 and 105 degrees Fahrenheit – cough, red watery eyes and runny nose. A rash develops around the third day of symptoms, starting on the face and continuing to spread downward over the body as the disease progresses. People are contagious for about four days before the rash begins and four days afterward, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC).