Where are Koplik spots located?

Where are Koplik spots located?

• A. Buccal mucosa
• B. Tongue tip
• C. Palate
• D. Gums

Answer: (A)

Koplik spots are an early oral sign of measles. They appear as tiny bluish-white spots on the buccal mucosa—the inner lining of the cheeks—usually opposite the molars, often with a surrounding red halo. Their appearance before the typical measles rash makes them a helpful clue for early diagnosis and isolation. They are not located on the tongue tip, palate, or gums, so those sites don’t fit the characteristic location of Koplik spots. If you notice these spots, consider measles and proceed with appropriate precautions and evaluation.

Koplik spots are an early oral sign of measles. They appear as tiny bluish-white spots on the buccal mucosa—the inner lining of the cheeks—usually opposite the molars, often with a surrounding red halo. Their appearance before the typical measles rash makes them a helpful clue for early diagnosis and isolation.

They are not located on the tongue tip, palate, or gums, so those sites don’t fit the characteristic location of Koplik spots. If you notice these spots, consider measles and proceed with appropriate precautions and evaluation.