What symptom is expected in a toddler with measles?

Koplik spots are a hallmark symptom of measles, specifically appearing in the prodromal phase of the illness, which generally occurs two to three days before the measles rash develops. These small, white lesions with a bluish-white center appear on the buccal mucosa and are a distinctive diagnostic feature of the disease. The presence of Koplik spots can help healthcare providers confirm a suspected measles infection, especially since they typically precede the more noticeable symptoms like the rash and high fever.

Individuals may also present with a high fever, cough, and general malaise, but the appearance of Koplik spots is unique to measles and serves as an important clinical indicator. Recognizing these spots in conjunction with other symptoms informs the healthcare approach and emphasizes the importance of vaccination and public health measures against measles outbreaks in the pediatric population.