## Measles Incubation Period **Key Point:** The incubation period for measles is **10–14 days** (range: 10–12 days typically, up to 21 days in rare cases). ### Clinical Significance - Prodromal phase (fever, cough, coryza, conjunctivitis) occurs during days 3–4 of incubation. - Rash appears on day 14 of illness (around day 3–4 of fever onset). - Patient is most contagious from 2 days before rash onset to 4 days after rash onset. ### Epidemiological Implication - Contacts exposed to a measles case should be monitored for 21 days from last exposure. - Post-exposure prophylaxis (immunoglobulin or MMR vaccine) is effective if given within 72 hours of exposure. **High-Yield:** The classic teaching is **10–14 days**; this is the most frequently tested value in NEET PG and INI-CET. [cite:Park 26e Ch 7]
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