Final answer:
Koplik's spots are a diagnostic sign of Measles, indicated by the unique presence of red eruptions with white centers on the buccal mucosa, accompanied by a maculopapular rash.
Step-by-step explanation:
The red eruptions with white centers on the buccal mucosa described in the question are called Koplik's spots.
The eruptions described are known as Koplik's spots, which are a characteristic sign of Measles.
The child's symptoms of a maculopapular, blotchy rash and the red eruptions with white centers on the buccal mucosa, known as Koplik's spots, strongly suggest a diagnosis of Measles. Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that is part of the paramyxovirus family. It is typically characterized by fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes (conjunctivitis), and a rash that starts at the head and spreads to the rest of the body. Koplik's spots are pathognomonic for measles, which means they are a distinguishing feature of this disease and do not occur with other illnesses.
It is important to identify measles promptly due to its infectious nature and potential for complications, which can include ear infections, pneumonia, and encephalitis. Preventative measures such as the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine are crucial in helping to control outbreaks and prevent the disease's spread.