Iwoke up with a rash one morning in the spring.

After spending weeks covering the spread of measles in Southern New Mexico, I knew a rash — particularly a rash that develops on the face and spreads throughout the body — is among the primary symptoms of the disease.

I immediately assumed the worst: What if I had the measles, despite being vaccinated against it? And even more embarrassing, what if I was patient zero for the disease in Santa Fe County, which at the time had not yet seen a case in the state's outbreak?

I hastily scheduled an appointment with my primary care provider, who kindly informed me that I had a rash — but no other symptoms. I didn't have the high fever, runny nose, cough or red eyes typical of the disease.

In other words, I didn't have the measles. The rash was jus

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