What is measles? | Patient Explainers

Measles is a highly infectious illness caused by a virus. The virus lives in the mucus of the nose and throat of people with this infection. Physical contact, coughing and sneezing can spread the infection. In addition, infected droplets of mucus can remain active and can be passed on by touching (they are contagious) for around two hours. This means that the virus can live outside the body - for example, on surfaces and door handles. Find out more: https://patient.info/health/viral-rashes/measles Follow Patient: Website: https://patient.info/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patient Twitter: https://twitter.com/patient Pinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/patient/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patient.info/