Kopliks Spots, named after Henry Koplik (1858-1927), the American paediatrician who, it is claimed, first described them in 1896, are specific to measles. In fact, they are so much an indicator that generally no further tests are necessary to positively diagnose measles.
Kopliks Spots appear on the mucous membranes inside of the cheek and underneath the tongue opposite the lower molars. They take the form of small, irregular, bright red spots with blue-white centres, about the size of a grain of sand. The appear shortly after the onset of the fever and about two days before the main rash appears. It is not uncommon for them to disappear as the main rash develops.
These are a sure sign of measles and most doctors will regard their presence as a positive diagnosis of the measles virus. Some parents, however, fail to get medical advice on the condition until the rash is well developed, and the spots in some cases have disappeared. By this time the disease is well established and difficult to teat. It is essential, therefore, that parents are aware of the main symptoms of measles, including Kopliks Spots, so that an early diagnosis is possible.
2007-02-22 05:54:05
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answer #1
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answered by bomullock 5
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