Spotty Ailment is a term used to describe the contagious viral infection known as MEASLES. MEASLES is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus that can spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms of MEASLES include fever, runny nose, cough, and a rash of red spots. Complications from MEASLES can include ear infections, pneumonia, and encephalitis. Vaccination is the best way to prevent MEASLES.