Objectives - To evaluate the biological confirmation method for measles using saliva samples and to describe the genotypes that circulated in France between 2003 and 2008. Materials and Methods - Saliva samples from patients with measles are sent to the National Reference Center (NRC) for measles, where they are tested for viral RNA, specific IgM and IgG antibodies, and, if necessary, the virus in culture. The genotype of the RNA derived from a saliva sample or a viral isolate is determined based on a 450-nucleotide sequence of the N gene. Results - The majority of samples (73.9%) are collected on the day of the rash or within the first three days following it, and 61% are received at the NRC within three days of collection. The diagnosis of measles was biologically confirmed in 64.9% (137/211) of cases. Detection of viral RNA in saliva samples is more common (93.4% (128/137)) than detection of specific IgM (79.5% (109/137)). Between 2003 and 2007, the few measles cases observed were linked to different genotypes (D7, B3, D4, C2, D5) imported from various countries. The epidemic that emerged in 2008 was characterized by the co-circulation of several genotypes: A, B3.2, D4, D5, D8, D9, the predominance of genotype D5 (64%), and the first reported cases in France of genotypes D8 and D9. (R.A.)