What is measles?

Measles is a very infectious virus, which spreads quickly if people have not had the MMR vaccine. Two doses of MMR are needed for maximum protection – MMR is not usually given until around a child’s first birthday. A version of MMR is available which does NOT contain pork ingredients.

Measles can cause severe illness, especially in certain at-risk groups including babies and small children, pregnant women, and people with weak immunity. Complications could mean hospitalisation, permanent disability, and in rare cases, it can even cause death.

What are the symptoms of measles?

• cold-like symptoms such as runny or blocked nose, sneezing and cough
• red, sore watery eyes
• high temperature (fever) which may reach around 40^OC / 104^OF
• a non-itchy, red-brown rash usually appears 3-5 days later (sometimes starts around the ears before spreading to rest of the body), spots may be raised and join to form blotchy patches – which may be harder to see on darker skin tones

What do I do if a child has suspected measles?

If children have symptoms of measles, they should stay at home. Please do not bring children to the school with any symptoms of measles.

Suspected measles may cause concern. Advice is available on the NHS website, UKHSA webpages, NHS 111 and from the GP. Please phone the GD for advice rather than visit them as this may cause the virus to spread. 

Children under one year of age are unlikely to have been vaccinated, therefore care should be taken when older and younger children mix.