Ann Intern Med 1979 Jun;90(6):877-81

Atypical measles in adolescents and young adults.

Martin DB, Weiner LB, Nieburg PI, Blair DC

Seven patients, aged 12 to 19 years, had atypical measles. Prodromal
symptoms of fever, malaise, myalgia, headache, nausea, and vomiting were
commonly followed by coryza, sore throat, conjunctivitis, photophobia,
nonproductive cough, and pleuritic pain. The characteristic rash was
erythematous, maculopapular, and progressed frequently to vesicular,
petechial, or purpuric lesions. It initially involved palms and soles with
subsequent spread to proximal extremities and the trunk, sparing the face.

Six of six chest roentgenograms showed infiltrates. Findings not previously
described in atypical measles included liver enzyme elevations,
thrombocytopenia, disseminated intravascular coagulation, possible
transmission among three siblings, and suspected cardiac involvement.
Measles complement fixation titers compatible with recent infection were
seen in all patients.
 
All patients had previously received killed measles vaccine. A substantial
number of persons who are older adolescents or young adults may be at risk
of developing atypical measles.

PMID: 443683, UI: 79185851


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