An unusual cause of fever and rash in an adult.
A 29-year-old hospital doctor presented with a febrile illness and a rash that began shortly after commencing a course of oral antibiotics. Initially thought to be a drug reaction, changes in the nature of the rash led to a confirmed diagnosis of measles. An immunisation history revealed that the patient had never received the MMR vaccine. A high index of suspicion is required to diagnose measles in an immunocompetent adult, and we suggest that occupational health departments should be more rigorous in screening for vaccinations in health workers.
Brostoff
Joshua M
JM
Department of Respiratory Medicine, Central Middlesex Hospital, Acton Lane, London NW10 7NS, United Kingdom. joshbrostoff@doctors.org.uk
Weir
William
W
Roche
Shane
S
D000328:Adult; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005076:Exanthema / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology*; D005334:Fever / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D017589:Immunization Programs; D008297:Male; D008457:Measles / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control