What are the common symptoms of measles?

• A. Fever and rashes
• B. Running nose, cough, red and watery eyes, small white spots inside the cheeks
• C. Headache and muscle pain
• D. Vomiting and diarrhea

Answer: (B)

The correct answer highlights the hallmark symptoms of measles, which include a combination of respiratory signs and distinctive oral manifestations. Measles typically begins with a high fever that can last for several days, followed by respiratory symptoms such as a runny nose and cough. Additionally, patients often exhibit conjunctivitis, which leads to red and watery eyes. One of the key clinical features of measles is the presence of Koplik spots—small white spots that appear inside the cheeks and are specifically associated with the disease.

Recognizing these symptoms is crucial for early diagnosis and containment of the spread of the virus, as measles is highly contagious. The combination of these symptoms provides a clear clinical picture that can help healthcare professionals differentiate measles from other viral infections that may have similar symptoms.

Other options provided symptoms that could be associated with different illnesses. For example, fever and rashes can occur in various viral diseases, including chickenpox or rubella. Headache and muscle pain are more general symptoms and can be present in numerous conditions, not specifically indicative of measles. Similarly, vomiting and diarrhea are not typical symptoms of measles and are more often associated with gastrointestinal infections. Thus, the distinctive combination of the symptoms listed in the correct answer identifies measles