Measles is one of the most highly communicable infectious diseases and can cause severe illness, especially in certain at-risk groups including babies and small children, pregnant people, and those with weak immunity.
There has been a recent increase in measles cases in Somerset.
Measles is one of the most highly communicable infectious diseases and can cause severe illness, especially in certain at-risk groups including babies and small children, pregnant people, and those with weak immunity.
As we are coming up to the Christmas holidays, we thought it would be helpful to remind parents and guardians of the signs and symptoms of measles so that they can take appropriate action should their child become unwell over the holidays.
What you need to do if you think your child has measles
If your child develops the symptoms of measles:
- See your doctor if you are worried: You should speak to your GP or NHS 111 if you or your child get a high temperature with a cough, runny nose, sore red eyes or rash. You should call your GP or NHS 111 before visiting them in person. This is to avoid spreading measles to others.
- Avoid spreading measles: If someone is thought to have measles, they should stay away from their education or childcare setting, or work, for at least 4 days from when the rash first appears.
- Avoid vulnerable people: They should also avoid close contact with infants under 12 months, people who are pregnant and people with weakened immune systems.
People who have not had 2 doses of the MMR vaccine
If you are unsure if you or your child have had 2 doses of the MMR vaccine, which will protect you against measles, contact your GP to arrange vaccination. If you have missed a dose you can still be vaccinated at any age. Please see further information on the MMR vaccine in the factsheet below
You can find further information at Measles – NHS.
