Measles is caused by a virus found in the nose and throat and transmitted through air droplets from coughing and sneezing. Symptoms of measles include diarrhea, vomiting, ear infection, and pneumonia. The disease can cause premature birth, low birth weight, and fetal death if you are infected during pregnancy. Detection of specific IgM antibodies is evidence of a current or recent infection. A demonstration of specific IgG is evidence of past infection.