Measles typically begins with a mild to moderate fever, often accompanied by a persistent cough, runny nose, inflamed eyes (conjunctivitis) and sore throat. This relatively mild illness may last two or three days. Acute illness and rash. The rash consists of small red spots, some of which are slightly raised. As the blood travels around the body, it carries the virus to different body organs, including the liver, the skin, the central nervous system, and the spleen. In the skin, the measles virus causes inflammation in the capillaries.