Seeing Measles in the News? Here Are the Key Symptoms of Measles in Children

Sam Ahn
Jun 30
3 min read

By Dr. Sam Ahn, MD (Family Medicine Specialist) | June 30, 2025

It’s completely understandable to feel a wave of anxiety when you see news reports about measles spreading in communities. As a parent, your first thought is your child's safety. It can be especially worrying if you're not sure what the first symptoms of measles in children actually look like. Let's walk through it together, so you can feel prepared and confident.

Quick Answer: Measles typically starts with a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis). A few days later, a specific rash appears, starting as flat red spots on the face and spreading down to the rest of the body.

Understanding the First Signs: More Than Just a Rash

One of the trickiest things about measles is that it doesn't start with the famous rash. The first few days look a lot like a bad cold or flu, which can be confusing. The first stage of measles almost always includes the "Three C's":

Cough: A persistent, hacking cough.
Coryza: This is the medical term for a runny nose.
Conjunctivitis: You'll notice red, watery, and sensitive eyes.

Along with the "Three C's," a high fever is very common, often climbing to 104°F (40°C). During this time, about two to three days after symptoms begin, you might be able to spot a unique sign of measles: Koplik spots. These are tiny white spots, often described as looking like grains of salt, that appear inside the mouth on the inner lining of the cheek.

What to Look For: The Measles Rash

After a few days of fever and cold-like symptoms, the tell-tale measles rash will appear. This is the sign most people associate with the illness. The rash typically starts as flat, red spots on the face, often right along the hairline and behind the ears.

From the face, it spreads downwards, covering the neck, torso, arms, and finally the legs and feet. As the rash spreads, the small spots may begin to join together into larger red patches. It can be itchy for some children. If you're trying to determine if a rash is measles, tracking how it appears and spreads is key. You can even use the Photo Upload feature in the FeverCoach app to keep a visual record of the rash's progression to share with your doctor.

What to Do: A Simple Action Plan

Isolate and Call Ahead: Measles is extremely contagious. If you suspect your child has measles, it is critical to keep them home and away from others. Call your doctor's office or an urgent care clinic before you go in. They will give you specific instructions on how to arrive without exposing others in the waiting room.
Focus on Comfort: There is no specific medicine that cures measles, so care focuses on keeping your child comfortable. Ensure they get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids to prevent dehydration. A cool-mist humidifier can help with the cough and sore throat.
Track and Get Guidance: Managing the high fever and other symptoms can be stressful. For personalized guidance on managing your child's fever and symptoms, turn to the AI Coach in the FeverCoach app. It can help you understand the patterns of the illness and what steps to take next based on your child's specific situation.

When to Call the Doctor

You should call your doctor immediately if you suspect your child has measles. It's a nationally notifiable disease, and public health officials need to be aware of it. Be sure to seek immediate medical care if your child:

Develops difficulty breathing.
Shows signs of dehydration (like fewer wet diapers, no tears when crying, or a dry mouth).
Becomes unusually drowsy, confused, or has a seizure.
Complains of a severe headache or stiff neck.
Has an earache, as ear infections can be a complication.

Still have questions?

Every child is different, and it's normal to feel unsure. To get instant, personalized guidance on your child's symptoms, you can use the AI Coach in the FeverCoach app. It’s like having a pediatrician in your pocket, helping you know what to do next.