Body · Pattern guide

Fever with a spreading rash

Fever with cough, runny nose or red watery eyes followed by a spreading rash needs same-day medical care. Guidance, not a diagnosis.

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What to do now

Get medical help today.

Call a health facility for medical advice today before going in, and avoid close contact while you arrange care.

What it looks like

Signs

high fever with cough or a runny nosered or watery eyesa rash beginning on the face or neck and spreading downa rash that may look brown, red or darker and can be harder to see on brown or black skin

What may help

Options

call a health facility before arrivingavoid close contact, especially with babies, pregnant people or people with weakened immunityrest and drink fluids if able

When to get help

Pause here

Arrange same-day medical advice and call before arriving because this pattern can spread easily. Emergency care is needed for a seizure, severe breathing difficulty, confusion, inability to stay awake or drink, a stiff neck, or a rash that does not fade when pressed. Do not rely on skincare or self-start vitamin A or antibiotics.

Sources

Checked links.

Reviewed July 2026

World Health Organization · Measles NHS · Measles Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention · Measles situation report, August 2025

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