| Pronunciation | MEE-zulz |
| Definition | A group of diseases of the respiratory tract caused by a virus. Measles is highly contagious and spreads easily from person to person through coughing or sneezing. Symptoms include fever, cough, red and irritated eyes, and a spreading rash. Serious complications include pneumonia, inflammation of the brain, and death. One form called German measles may cause births defects in a fetus if a woman is infected early in her pregnancy. |
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