Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can be very unpleasant and sometimes lead to serious complications.
Anyone can get measles if they haven’t been vaccinated or they haven’t had it before, although it’s most common in young children.
What to do if you think you or your child has measles
Measles usually starts with cold-like symptoms, followed by a rash a few days later, which starts on the face and behind the ears before spreading to the rest of the body. Some people may also get small white spots in their mouth.
There is no specific medical treatment for measles, so vaccination is the best protection against serious illness. Certain groups, including babies, young children and pregnant women, are at greater risk from complications.
Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if you think you or your child may have measles.
How to get the MMR vaccine
The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is a routine childhood vaccination, so most children will be vaccinated against measles. The MMR vaccine is very effective and after 2 doses 99% of people will be protected against measles.
If you or your child have missed one or both MMR doses, you can catch up at any age. Contact your GP practice to book your free appointment. If you aren’t sure if you have had the MMR vaccination you can ask at your GP practice.
Find out more about the MMR vaccine.
Managing measles cases
Education settings should follow UKHSA guidance. The local Health Protection Team will provide advice on measles cases. If diagnosed with measles, children should stay off school or nursery for at least 4 days from when the rash first appears.
Useful links
- NHS advice on measles: Measles - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
- Guidance for parents and carers: What to do if you think your child has measles and when to keep them off school - The Education Hub (blog.gov.uk)
- Guidance for education settings: Managing specific infectious diseases: A to Z - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
- Guidance for healthcare settings: NHS England » Guidance for risk assessment and infection prevention and control measures for measles in healthcare settings
- Guidance for health professionals to share with pregnant women immunised with MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), chickenpox or shingles vaccines