Which sequence describes common measles symptoms?

Which sequence describes common measles symptoms?

• A. Diarrhea and vomiting
• B. Fever, runny nose, cough for first days and then a dark red rash
• C. Jaundice and abdominal pain
• D. Skin rash only

Answer: (B)

Measles typically starts with a set of systemic symptoms—fever, runny nose (coryza), and cough—for a few days, sometimes with red, watery eyes. After that prodrome, a dark red maculopapular rash appears, usually starting on the face or behind the ears and then spreading downward to the body. This sequence of early respiratory symptoms followed by a conspicuous rash is the hallmark presentation, so the option reflecting that order is the best fit. Diarrhea and vomiting can occur but aren’t the defining initial pattern, jaundice and abdominal pain aren’t typical features, and a rash alone without the preceding systemic symptoms doesn’t match classic measles.

Measles typically starts with a set of systemic symptoms—fever, runny nose (coryza), and cough—for a few days, sometimes with red, watery eyes. After that prodrome, a dark red maculopapular rash appears, usually starting on the face or behind the ears and then spreading downward to the body. This sequence of early respiratory symptoms followed by a conspicuous rash is the hallmark presentation, so the option reflecting that order is the best fit. Diarrhea and vomiting can occur but aren’t the defining initial pattern, jaundice and abdominal pain aren’t typical features, and a rash alone without the preceding systemic symptoms doesn’t match classic measles.