Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Test

Measles

Measles, also known as rubeola, is a highly contagious viral infection that occurs primarily in children. Measles infection causes fever, irritability, cough, respiratory illness, pink eye (conjunctivitis) and tiny white spots inside the mouth (Koplik spots) followed by the appearance of a characteristic flat, red rash. The rash usually starts on the face and spreads all over the body.

Mumps

Mumps is a highly contagious, viral infection that typically begins with a high fever and flu-like symptoms (headache, muscle aches, tiredness, and loss of appetite). The mumps virus may cause inflamed salivary glands, puffy cheeks, and a tender, swollen jaw. However, some people with mumps infection may appear without symptoms.

Rubella

Rubella, also known as German measles, is a contagious, viral infection. It may appear mild with a fever, swollen glands, aching joints (especially in young women), or more severely with joint pain, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, and a distinctive red rash on the face that spreads downward to the rest of the body. Some people with a rubella infection may appear without symptoms. In pregnant women, rubella can cause a miscarriage and birth defects.

Each of these viral illnesses is different, and the symptoms may vary, as shown below:

Measles:

• High fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Body aches
• Feeling weak or tired
• Pink eye (conjunctivitis)
• Tiny white spots inside the mouth (Koplik spots)
• Flat red spots on the face and neck that become more solid as they spread across the body (measles rash)

Mumps:

• Fever
• Chills
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Muscle aches
• Loss of appetite
• Painful swelling of salivary glands located between the ear and jaw (parotitis)
• Puffiness of the cheeks
• Difficulty chewing

Rubella:

• Fever
• Headache
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Ear infection
• Body aches
• Joint pain and stiffness
• Fatigue
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Feeling weak or tired
• Conjunctivitis
• Inflammation of the brain (encephalitis)