Measles in Greater Manchester
What is measles?
Measles is an infection that causes cold-like symptoms and a rash. Per the NHS, the first symptoms may include:
- a high temperature
- a runny or blocked nose
- sneezing
- a cough
- red, sore, watery eyes
A few days after these symptoms begin, people usually develop a brown or red rash on their face and body. Some people may also get spots in their mouth. The rash may be harder to see on darker skin.
Measles can be very serious for some people, including pregnant women, babies, and those with weakened immune systems. An infection can result in swelling of the brain, blindness, and hearing loss, and can harm unborn babies.
How does measles spread?
Measles is spread through coughing, sneezing, and breathing. A person with measles is infectious from when their symptoms start to four days after the rash appears. It spreads very quickly and easily, particularly in nurseries and schools. Measles is common in young children, however young people aged 16-25 are also at risk due to spending long periods in crowded spaces like schools, sixth forms, and universities. The virus can spread after only 15 minutes around an infectious person.
How to protect against measles?
Two doses of the combined measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine (MMR) can protect you from becoming seriously ill with the infection for life. The MMR vaccine has been thoroughly tested for safety and, as with other vaccines, complications are rare. There is no link between the MMR vaccine and autism.
If you aren’t sure if you or your child have had the MMR vaccine, contact your GP surgery. They can book you in, or you may be able to access one through a school or university vaccination programme.
Click here to find out where you can book your jab
To reduce the risk of catching or spreading the virus, wash your hands regularly with soapy water, use tissues, and dispose of tissues in the bin as soon as they have been used. People with symptoms should stay at home until four days after the rash has appeared, to avoid spreading the infection to other people.
What to do if you or your child have measles?
There is currently no medical treatment for measles. You can manage symptoms by getting lots of rest and water, staying at home, and taking paracetamol and ibuprofen (unless advised otherwise).
The NHS advises that you call 999 or go to A&E if you or your child has measles and:
- have a seizure (fit)
- severe difficulty breathing – you're gasping, choking or not able to get words out (babies may make grunting noises or their stomach may suck under their ribcage)
- are unable to stay awake – cannot keep their eyes open for more than a few seconds
- suddenly become confused – your child may be very unsettled, behaving differently, or crying non-stop
- your child is limp, floppy or not responding normally – their head may fall to the side, backwards or forwards, or they may find it difficult to lift their head and focus on your face
- a rash that does not fade when you press a glass against it
- a stiff neck, or find light uncomfortable or painful
For more information:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/measles/
https://www.manchesterlco.org/measles/ (includes Easy Read leaflets which can be downloaded)
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/mmr-for-all-general-leaflet/mmr-for-all-general-guide
