Measles and chicken pox are among the most common childhood illnesses. Both are highly contagious viral infections. Measles is caused by morbillivirus which generates a flat red rash that spreads from the face down the body. Chicken pox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). This condition begins as a tiny red rash, which progresses to fluid-filled blisters that cause severe itching all over the body.
People often confuse measles with chicken pox and vice versa due to the skin rash that each condition causes. However, the duration and appearance of the disease-related skin rash differ. Aside from the one described above, there are a few more differences. In this post, we will look at the differences that distinguish them from one another.
Duration of Illness
Measles: On average, the illness lasts between 7 to 10 days after symptoms start. Usually, the rash develops within 3 to 5 days following the start of the first symptoms.
Chicken pox: Typically, the illness lasts between 5 to 10 days. After other symptoms start to show, the rash appears 1 to 2 days later and keeps becoming worse over several days, breaking out in waves of fresh blisters. The blisters take approximately 10 to 14 days to fully dry out.
Symptoms
Because measles and chicken pox are viral infections, the body’s immune system produces an early response. The body’s reaction to infections and viruses is to create an immune response to fight them, which might cause serious symptoms linked with that particular illness. Because of their viral nature, measles and chicken pox also have the same symptoms, including:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Runny nose (more common in measles)
Distinguishing symptoms
Measles rash
- Inflamed eyes (conjunctivitis)
- Persistent and dry cough
- White spots found inside mouth, typically on the inner lining of the cheek (Koplik’s spots)
- Sensitivity to light
- Rash starts from the face and spreads down to the torso
Chicken pox rash
- Intense itching
- Fluid filled blisters
- Mild cough or sore throat
- Rash starts from the torso and spreads to other body parts
Transmission
These infections are airborne, which makes them extremely contagious. Measles and chicken pox spread through the air. When an infected person sneezes or coughs, tiny droplets containing this virus enter the air, and if inhaled by an unaffected person, it can cause measles or chicken pox symptoms in the person.
Prevention
While measles and chicken pox are childhood illnesses, they can also affect adults, but the symptoms are more severe than they would be for a child. Vaccination is the most effective strategy to prevent measles and chicken pox. The Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine is used to protect people against measles. While the varicella vaccination is used to prevent chickenpox.
People who have not been vaccinated and are not immune (those who have never experienced the sickness) should receive this vaccination. Especially those whose employment puts them at risk for the disease, such as teachers, overseas travelers, healthcare personnel, and even unvaccinated parents with children.
Conclusion
Measles and chickenpox are highly contagious infections. Measles rash begins on the face and travels lower to the torso. Chicken pox rash begins on the torso and spreads to other parts of the body, such as the face and arms. Because these are viral infections, they exhibit similar symptoms such as fever, runny nose, and fatigue.
However, they have distinguishing signs that set them apart. The good news is that these infections can be prevented with vaccines such as the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine for measles and the varicella vaccine for chickenpox.
