Patient's question:
Patient Age: 1 yearDetailed Condition and Purpose of Consultation: My son is 8 months old. He had a fever of 39°C two days ago, which has now subsided. However, yesterday we noticed red spots on his body. Today, we had a blood test, and his white blood cell count was 28. The doctor said it's measles, but when I searched online, the symptoms seem more like chickenpox. I don't know how to differentiate between them.
Duration of Current Illness: 1 day
Current General Condition: Enlarged lymph nodes
Additional Tests: White blood cell count of 28
Doctor's answer:
Hello: Measles should have a history of contact, the rash starts from the back of the ears, hairline, neck, and spreads to the forehead, face, trunk, and upper limbs within 24 hours, extending to the lower limbs and feet after 3 days. The rash initially appears as sparse rose-colored maculopapules, then deepens to dark red and can merge into patches. In the early stages, finding multinucleated giant cells in nasal and pharyngeal secretions and detecting inclusion cells in urine can aid in early diagnosis. Measles antibody can be detected using the ELISA method 1–2 days after the rash appears, confirming the diagnosis.Rubella primarily presents with low fever, rapid rash onset, and spreads to the trunk and limbs within 24 hours. The palms and soles are usually spared, and some may merge, resembling measles. After the rash fades, there is no desquamation or hyperpigmentation. Postauricular and occipital lymphadenopathy with tenderness may occur. Rapid diagnosis can be achieved by detecting IgM antibodies in serum and measuring specific IgG affinity.