Doctor: Measles symptoms start with a common flu, followed by high fever

Measles symptoms often masquerade as a common flu in the early stage, followed by high fever and typically appear seven to 14 days after a child is exposed to the virus, according to Dr. Putri Mutiara Sari, a general practitioner at RS Sari Asih Cipondoh in Tangerang. After the flu hits a child, a combination of other symptoms follows, such as a drastic fever that can spike to as high as 40°C, along with respiratory symptoms and eye problems—dry cough, nasal congestion, and red, watery eyes. Another symptom is Koplik spots, a hallmark inside the mouth on the inner cheeks. If grayish-white spots with a red base are present, that is a strong sign of measles appearing 1-2 days before the external rash. The red rash, meanwhile, typically starts on the face and behind the ears, then spreads to the rest of the body to the feet over about a week, Dr. Putri Mutiara Sari said in Tangerang on Saturday. Prevent dehydration because high fever and canker sores often make children reluctant to drink. Give plain water, warm soup, or fruit juice regularly. Follow with fever-reducing medication as prescribed by a doctor. ‘Avoid giving aspirin to children due to the risk of fatal complications,’ she advised. But if the high fever does not subside within three days, take the child to a doctor immediately. Other important signs that require urgent referral to health facilities include very dry lips, infrequent urination, breathing difficulties such as shortness of breath or chest pain, and the child appearing very weak, unconscious, or having a seizure. ‘Without proper medical treatment, measles can develop into ear infections, pneumonia, or encephalitis,’ she said. Head of the Tangerang City Health Office, Dini Anggraeni, said that measles transmission does not occur only through direct contact, but also via airborne droplets from coughing and sneezing. She noted that measles cases in Tangerang City from late 2025 to early 2026 have shown an increasing trend and remain fluctuating weekly, with hundreds of cases each month. ‘This condition has risen sharply compared with the same period last year. The surge indicates a heightened concern for the regional government and the health sector,’ she said.