You searched for: “measles
measles (pl) (noun) (used as a singular)
A distressing infectious viral illness that causes fever and a red rash, or severe itching, on the skin: Measles usually takes place more often with children, but it can occur at any age.

One attack of measles normally develops into a lifelong immunity.

Measles was once a common disease throughout the world where it occurred in epidemics; however, it is not as common now in developing nations because of medical immunizations.

In developing countries, measles is still a common ailment that causes an estimated one million deaths each year; especially, with malnourished children who have no physical defenses against the infection.

  • Measles begins with a fever, a runny nose, sore eyes, and coughing.
  • After three to four days, a red rash appears; usually, beginning on the head and neck, then spreading downward to cover all of the body.
  • After three days, the rash normally begins to decrease and the symptoms of measles starts to go away.
  • In the United States, children are normally immunized against measles early in the second year of their lives.
  • Pregnant women who have never been immunized against measles should stay away from anyone who has the disease.
—Compiled from information provided by
The American Medical Association, Home Medical Encyclopedia;
Medical Editor, Charles B. Clayman, MD; Random House; New York; 1989; pages 68-69.
This entry is located in the following unit: English Words in Action, Group M (page 3)