measles

Everyday

An illness caused by a virus that spreads very easily; it gives a high fever, a cough, red eyes and a red, blotchy rash all over the body. tree →

In the lessons

In science and health lessons it is a key example of an infectious disease that vaccines prevent: the MMR jab protects against measles, mumps and rubella. Measles can be serious, even dangerous, for young children. People with measles stay home so they do not spread it. Phrase: «have measles», «catch measles».

Examples

• My grandad had measles when he was a boy. tree →
• Measles gives you a red, spotty rash. tree →
• The MMR vaccine protects you against measles. tree →
• Measles spreads through coughs and sneezes. tree →
• There was an outbreak of measles in the town. tree →
• A child with measles must stay at home. tree →
• Measles is caused by a virus. tree →
• Cowslip, during the autumn, had either the measles, or some eruption that looked very much like it, but was hardly sick a day. tree →

Note

Ends in «-s» but is singular: «Measles is serious» (not «are»). Usually no «the»: «She has measles». It is not just a harmless rash: it can cause serious illness, which is why children are vaccinated. Antibiotics do not cure measles because it is a virus.