Test Details: Measles is a highly contagious infection, caused by a virus of the paramyxovirus family. It is usually passed through direct contact and through the air. The virus infects the respiratory tract, then spreads throughout the body. The presenting symptoms are high fever, dry cough, red eyes, running nose, sore throat, rash, etc. This test is done to detect presence of antibodies in patient's blood, in response to infection or prior vaccination. Measles infection usually resolves within several days. IgM is the first antibody to be produced after infection or vaccination. IgM antibody increases for several days, peaks and then begins to taper off over the few weeks. IgG develops later but once they develop they remain in body for life.