The rash is blotchy and red and appears on the face and body around the fourth day of illness. It is at its most infectious from two or three days before the rash appears until eight to ten days after that date
 

• Immunisation can prevent this disease

What are the symptoms?

The first symptoms of measles are a runny nose, cough and red eyes. There may also be small, red spots with white centres, on the inside of the mouth which appear before a rash. The measles rash starts on the neck and face and will then spread over the rest of the body. Many children feel very unwell. Serious complications can arise such as pneumonia and hepatitis as well as long term effects like deafness. Hospital admission is sometimes necessary and rarely, death may occur.

How is it spread?

Measles is spread by coughing or sneezing or by contact with mucus from the nose or mouth.

Can measles be prevented?

The best way to prevent measles is the MMR vaccination. Two doses of the vaccine are needed, the first of which is normally given at 13 months. The second is then given around 3½ years of age. As the number of cases is growing it is important to be fully vaccinated against measles. If older children have not been fully vaccinated you should get this done now too as it is hard to protect babies from measles.

If someone in your family has measles

Contact your doctor. Tell the receptionist that it could be measles when booking and arriving at your appointment to prevent the spread of the disease to others. Children should be kept away from school as measles is so infectious.

 

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Childhood Conditions