3. The Koplik’s Spots: A Telltale Sign
After the initial wave of symptoms, measles introduces its signature: Koplik’s spots. These are minute white lesions that dot the inside of the mouth, particularly the inner cheek area.
First described by Henry Koplik in the late 19th century, these spots are pathognomonic – meaning they are so characteristic of the disease that by themselves, they can confirm a diagnosis. Appearing a couple of days before the more recognized measles rash, they serve as a beacon, indicating the storm that’s about to follow.
Unlike the generalized symptoms of fever or cough, Koplik’s spots are exclusive to measles. They’re tiny, often likened to grains of salt on a reddened background. Though not painful or bothersome by themselves, their significance in the diagnostic journey of measles is monumental.
However, despite their diagnostic importance, they’re often overlooked, primarily because they’re transient. Lasting only a few days, they can easily be missed if not actively searched for, especially in the early stages of the disease. This fleeting nature, combined with their pivotal role in early diagnosis, makes them a crucial symptom in the measles prognosis landscape. (3)
