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. 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 40OC / 104OF

· 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 are to  stay at home or return home. Parents should not bring their children to the setting with any symptoms of measles.

Parents are to contact GP by phone and state suspected Measles and should not attend the surgery in person.