What it means
Small spots, often described as looking like grains of salt, seen on the lining of the mouth opposite the back teeth. They are a classic early sign of measlesMEE-zulzA very contagious illness caused by the measles virus; also called rubeola.Full entry and usually appear a day or two before the skin rash, then fade as the rash spreads. They are named after Henry Koplik, the American pediatrician who described them in 1896.
For the nurse
Look inside the mouth with a light when a child has fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes. If measles is suspected, place the child on airborne precautions right away and tell the provider and infection control.
At a glance
| Also written | Koplik spot, Koplik's spots, Koplik’s spots |
|---|
Related terms
measles
A very contagious illness caused by the measles virus; also called rubeola.
strawberry tongue
A swollen, red tongue with enlarged bumps on its surface, looking like a strawberry.