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Measles Measles (rubella) is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads through the respiratory droplets of an infected person. The onset of the disease usually begins with a high fever, cough, and runny nose. These symptoms are followed by the occurrence of red rashes that develop after a few days. Usually they begin on the forehead and then appear around the rest of the body. It takes about two weeks to recover from the measles.

Measles is pretty rare in the United States because there is a very effective vaccine against the disease. Vaccination doesn’t just protect individuals; it protects an entire community. Measles is extremely dangerous to pregnant women, because it can hurt or kill their developing babies. That’s why it’s important for the entire community to maintain high rates of vaccination, so that measles doesn’t spread. Mumps Another common viral airborne disease is mumps. The disease is spread through respiratory droplets and leads to pain and swelling in the salivary glands. The common symptoms of the

infection include facial pain, fever, sore throat, and swelling of the jaws. There are fewer than 20,000 cases a year

in the United States because most people are vaccinated. The disease cannot be cured, but measures such as warm water gargles and eating soft foods can help ease symptoms. Most people get better in a few weeks.

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