Symptoms of measles usually begin 10–14 days after exposure to the virus. A prominent rash is the most visible symptom. Early symptoms usually last 4–7 days. They include: running nose cough red and watery eyes small white spots inside the cheeks The rash begins about 7–18 days after exposure, usually on the face and upper neck. It spreads over about 3 days, eventually to the hands and feet. It usually lasts 5–6 days before fading. Most deaths from measles are from complications related to the disease. Complications can include: blindness encephalitis (an infection causing brain swelling and potentially brain damage) severe diarrhoea and related dehydration ear infections severe breathing problems including pneumonia.