The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has declared a national incident. This means cases of measles are on the rise in England and there is a growing public health risk. Measles is a highly infectious disease and spreads very easily among those who are not vaccinated, especially in nurseries and schools.
Measles can be a very unpleasant illness and in some cases, very serious, leading to hospitalisation and tragically even death in rare cases. People in certain at-risk groups including babies and young children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immunity, are at increased risk of complications from measles.
There’s no specific medical treatment for measles, so it’s important to get the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine as it’s the best protection against becoming seriously unwell.
The MMR vaccine is free for everyone over 1 year old, and is a safe and effective way of protecting against measles, as well as mumps and rubella. Having 2 doses of the MMR vaccine will give lifelong protection. Over 99% of those who have 2 doses of the MMR vaccine will be protected against measles and rubella, and the vaccine also protects against mumps.
MMR vaccine is one of the routine childhood vaccinations, so most children are already vaccinated against measles. If your child has received both doses of the vaccine, they are unlikely to have the virus.
To book onto one of our MMR vaccination clinics please contact IntraHealth on 0333 358 3397, Option 1. Drop in available.
MMR First Vaccinations available for children aged 2 years and over who have not received the MMR vaccine at their GP. Also available to eligible nursery staff/childminders.
All Star Suite, Radcliffe Primary Care Centre, 69 Church Street West, Radcliffe, Manchester, M26 2SP
- Wednesday 24th July- 3.45pm – 5.45pm
- Wednesday 28th August- 3.45pm – 5.45pm
Symptoms of Measles
The initial symptoms of measles develop around 10 days after you're infected. These can include:
- cold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, sneezing, and a cough
- sore, red eyes that may be sensitive to light
- a high temperature (fever), which may reach around 40C (104F)
- small greyish-white spots on the inside of the cheeks
A few days later, a red-brown blotchy rash will appear. This usually starts on the head or upper neck, before spreading outwards to the rest of the body.
Read more about the symptoms of measles.
What should I do if I think my child might have Measles?
If your child has been diagnosed with measles, they should stay off nursery or school for at least 4 days from when the rash first appears. They should also avoid close contact with babies and anyone who is pregnant or has a weakened immune system.
If you think you or your child may have measles, to stop the virus spreading, you should:
- Stay at home and phone your GP for an urgent appointment (do not go to the GP or any other healthcare setting without calling ahead first as measles spreads very quickly and easily and it's important to prevent the illness from spreading further); or
- Call 111; or
- Get help from 111 online
Measles usually starts to get better in about a week. Find out how to look after yourself or your child on the NHS website
Is Measles serious?
Measles can be unpleasant, but will usually pass in about 7 to 10 days without causing any further problems.
Once you've had measles, your body builds up resistance (immunity) to the virus and it's highly unlikely you'll get it again.
However, measles can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening complications in some people. These include infections of the lungs (pneumonia) and brain (encephalitis).
Read more about the complications of measles.
How Measles is spread?
The measles virus is contained in the millions of tiny droplets that come out of the nose and mouth when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
You can easily catch measles by breathing in these droplets or, if the droplets have settled on a surface, by touching the surface and then placing your hands near your nose or mouth. The virus can survive on surfaces for a few hours.
People with measles are infectious from when the symptoms develop until about four days after the rash first appears.
Watch "Measles: how infectious is it compared to other diseases?" on YouTube (00:02:15)
How you can protect yourself against Measles
Measles can be prevented by having the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
This is given in two doses as part of the NHS childhood vaccination programme. The first dose is given when your child is around 13 months old and a second dose is given before your child starts school.
Who can get the vaccine?
We urge parents whose children missed out, or anyone of any age who has not yet had 2 MMR vaccines, to come forward and get vaccinated. It's never too late to catch up.
Children are offered a vaccine on the NHS at 12 months old and then a second dose when they turn 3 years and 4 months old. But you can catch up at any age if you or your child haven't yet been vaccinated.
Adults and older children can be vaccinated at any age if they haven't been fully vaccinated before. Ask your GP about having the vaccination.
You can request a version of the MMR vaccine that does not contain pork products from your GP, making it suitable for all faiths. Please note that the practice may need to order this product in specially, so it will be helpful to tell them your views before the appointment.
If the MMR vaccine isn't suitable for you, a treatment called human normal immunoglobulin (HNIG) can be used if you're at immediate risk of catching measles.
Read more about preventing measles.
How do I know if I or my child has been vaccinated?
If you're not sure if you've had 2 doses of the MMR vaccine, you should:
- Check your personal child health record (red book) that is used to record your child's weight and height, vaccinations and other important information. More about the red book.
- Contact your GP practice in the usual way.
Treating Measles
There are several things you can do to help relieve your symptoms and reduce the risk of spreading the infection, including:
- taking paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve fever, aches and pains - aspirin should not be given to children under 16 years old
- drinking plenty of water to avoid dehydration
- closing the curtains to help reduce light sensitivity
- using moist cotton wool to clean the eyes
- staying off school or work for at least four days from when the rash first appears
In severe cases, especially if there are complications, you or your child may need to be admitted to hospital for treatment.
Read more about treating measles.
Cold-like symptoms can be an early sign of Measles. Should your child still attend school?
If your child has been vaccinated, it’s very unlikely that they have measles. School attendance is vitally important to your child’s learning and health.
According to the NHS, it’s fine to send your child to school with a minor cough or common cold, provided they don’t have a temperature of 38C or above.
When should you keep your child off school or nursery and how long for?
If your child has measles, they should stay off nursery or school for at least 4 days from when the rash first appears, and avoid close contact with babies and anyone who is pregnant or has a weakened immune system.
Anyone who has been vaccinated is unlikely to be considered susceptible.
Should you keep your child off school if another pupil has been diagnosed with Measles?
Your local Health Protection Team will tell you if your child has been in contact with someone with measles and will let you know what the next steps are.
Can I or my child still get vaccinated even if we're older?
Yes. Anyone who has not had 2 doses of the MMR vaccine should ask their GP surgery for a vaccination appointment.
It’s best to have vaccines on time, but you can still catch up on most vaccines if you miss them. 2 doses of the vaccine are needed to ensure full protection.
Can I get vaccinated if I'm pregnant?
If you’re pregnant and you have been in close contact with someone who has measles, you should ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111.
As a precaution, the MMR vaccine is not recommended for pregnant women.
Sections of this article is provided by NHS Choices