Measles is the most infectious of human diseases. On average each infected person will pass it on to about 12–18 other people. This high infectivity has ensured that the disease has been spread to every country in the world. It is easily recognised by the flattish small red spots that first appear on the face, although the white spots that appear on the inside of the cheeks are the real tell-tale sign of measles. The facial rash spreads gradually downwards from to cover the whole body, including the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. It disappears after 2–5 days. People who have had measles have lifelong immunity against subsequent infection [1, 2].