As measles cases surge in the US, many people are worried about how the disease might affect them and how to stay safe. In an official statement, CDC Clinical Outreach and Community Activity (COCA) states how US has recorded record-breaking numbers of measles cases, despite it being declared eliminated in 2000. Measles is one of the most infectious diseases to exist, and even if it may not affect adults too much it could have a fatal effect on children. Outbreaks have been recorded in areas that have low vaccination coverage. To understand and suggest better ways to mitigate this threat COCA has organized a call that will answer questions related to “preventing, identifying, and testing for measles.” Amid this health crisis, one must know how to identify early signs and symptoms of the disease for better care. What Are The First Signs of Measles Infection?Measles is a serious and highly contagious illness that can be particularly dangerous for babies and young children. The best way to prevent measles is to get vaccinated. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect yourself and others from this dangerous disease. It's more than just a simple rash and can lead to severe health problems, and in some cases, death., First Signs of Trouble The first signs of measles often mimic a common cold. These initial symptoms include a high fever that can reach over 104°F, a persistent cough, a runny nose, and red, watery eyes. These symptoms can be misleading, but their combination is a key indicator of the onset of measles. Koplik Spots A distinctive sign of measles are the of tiny white spots, called Koplik spots, inside the mouth. These spots typically develop two to three days after the initial symptoms begin. Their presence is an important diagnostic clue, often appearing before the characteristic measles rash. What Does A Measles Rash Look Like? A rash appears three to five days after the initial symptoms. It usually starts as flat red spots on the face, near the hairline, and then spreads downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet. The spots can sometimes be slightly raised and may merge together. When the rash appears, the fever may also increase significantly. Who is Most at Risk? While measles can be serious for anyone, certain groups are at a higher risk of developing complications. These include:Children younger than 5 years oldAdults older than 20 years oldPregnant womenPeople with weakened immune systems due to conditions like leukemia or HIVWhat Are Some Serious Complications Caused By Measles? Measles can lead to several severe complications, especially in young children and adults. Pneumonia This lung infection is one of the most common causes of death from measles in young children, affecting as many as 1 in 20 children with the disease. Encephalitis About 1 in 1,000 children with measles will develop encephalitis, a dangerous swelling of the brain. This can cause convulsions and may result in deafness or intellectual disability. Hospitalization and Death About 1 in 5 unvaccinated people in the U.S. who get measles are hospitalized. In severe cases, 1 to 3 of every 1,000 children who are infected with measles will die from complications. Pregnancy Risks For pregnant women, measles can lead to a premature birth or a low-birth-weight baby. Long-Term Effects Even after a person recovers from measles, there is a small risk of a rare but fatal long-term complication called subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE). SSPE is a disease of the central nervous system that can develop 7 to 10 years after a measles infection, even if the person seemed to have fully recovered. The risk of developing SSPE may be higher for children who get measles before the age of 2.