Measles is a highly infectious, serious illness that can be very unpleasant. Those most at risk are under 1s, the unvaccinated, immuno-compromised and pregnant women. There is no specific treatment available, so it is important to get vaccinated to avoid serious illness. If you and your child have been vaccinated, it’s very unlikely you will catch Measles.
Symptoms of Measles
• Usually starts with cold-like symptoms
• High fever
• Sore, red watery eyes
• Cough and/or runny nose
• Small red spots with bluish-white centres inside the mouth
• A red/brown blotchy rash which appears several days later, rough to the touch.
Keep your child away from babies, anyone who is pregnant and those with a weakened immune system.
‘THINK’ Measles
If you think your child has measles or has been in contact in the last 3 weeks with someone with a confirmed case of measles, then please stay at home and call your GP surgery.
• DO NOT bring your child to school or nursery.
• DO NOT visit the GP surgery/ out of hours, or Hospital.
• CALL ahead to the GP surgery so measures can be put in place for your arrival.
Vaccination
If you are unsure about whether your child is due a vaccine or has missed a vaccination, you can check your vaccination status by calling your GP surgery or checking your ‘Red Book’.
If your child has missed one of their MMR’s call your GP surgery and book an appointment. The MMR schedule is usually 1 vaccine at 12 months old and a 2nd vaccine at preschool, around 3 years and 4 months.
For adults it’s never too late to get vaccinated.
For more information, please follow the links below.
• Think Measles! [English] (gov.uk)
• Measles: don't let your child catch it flyer [Available in 22 languages] (gov.uk)
• MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
• Pregnant? Immunisation helps to protect you and your baby from infectious diseases (gov.uk)