Measles

What is measles?

Measles is an infection that spreads very easily from person to person. It can make some people very poorly, especially babies and people with weak immune systems. The best way to stop getting measles is to have the MMR or MMRV vaccine.

What are the signs of measles?

Measles usually starts like a cold, then you get a rash a few days later.

Early signs (like a cold)

• High temperature
• Runny or blocked nose
• Sneezing
• Cough
• Red, sore, watery eyes

Spots in the mouth

A few days after the cold-like signs start, you might get small white spots inside your cheeks and on the back of your lips. These spots usually last a few days.

The measles rash

The rash usually appears a few days after you start feeling unwell. It starts on your face and behind your ears, then spreads to the rest of your body.

The rash looks like red or brown spots that sometimes join together to make blotchy patches. The spots are usually not itchy. On darker skin, the rash can be harder to see.

When to get help

Ask for an urgent GP appointment or call NHS 111 if:

• You think you or your child might have measles
• Your child is under 1 year old and has been near someone with measles
• You're pregnant or have a weak immune system and have been near someone with measles
• You or your child haven't had measles vaccines and have been near someone with measles
• You or your child have a high temperature that won't come down with paracetamol or ibuprofen
• You or your child are finding it hard to breathe or feel more out of breath than usual
• Your baby isn't feeding well or drinking less than usual
• You or your child are weeing less than usual
• You or your child feel very unwell

Call 999 or go to A&E straight away if you or your child:

• Have a fit
• Have severe trouble breathing - gasping, choking, or can't get words out
• Can't stay awake - can't keep eyes open for more than a few seconds
• Suddenly become confused or very unsettled
• Are limp, floppy, or not responding normally
• Have a rash that doesn't fade when you press a glass against it
• Have a stiff neck or find light uncomfortable

Measles spreads easily, so call your GP surgery before going in. They might talk to you on the phone or see you in a separate area.

Looking after yourself at home

If a GP has seen you, you can help yourself feel better by:

• Resting and drinking plenty of water
• Taking paracetamol or ibuprofen for high temperature (check the packet for the right dose for children)
• Using cooled boiled water on cotton wool to gently clean crusty eyes

Stay off work, school, or nursery for at least 4 days after the rash appears. Try to avoid close contact with babies, pregnant women, and people with weak immune systems.

How measles spreads

Measles spreads when someone with the infection breathes, coughs, or sneezes. You can spread it from when you first feel unwell (about 4 days before the rash) until 4 days after the rash appears.

Getting vaccinated

The MMR and MMRV vaccines protect against measles. Speak to your GP if you're not sure you or your child have had these vaccines. You can get them free on the NHS.

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Based on NHS.uk guidance. Written by Dr Krishnan Pasupathi, NHS GP.