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What is Measles?
Measles is a highly infectious viral illness. It is most common among children, although anyone who has not been vaccinated against measles or who has not had the disease can catch it.
How do you get Measles?
Measles is highly contagious.
The measles virus is contained in the millions of tiny droplets that come out of the nose and mouth when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
You can catch measles by breathing in the droplets or, if the droplets have settled on a surface, by touching the surface and then placing your hands near your nose or mouth.
Someone with measles is infectious for 2 to 4 days before the rash appears and for about 5 days after it appears.
What are the Symptoms?
Around 10 days after you get the measles virus, the following symptoms begin to appear:
- cold-like symptoms, such as runny nose, watery eyes, swollen eyelids and sneezing
- a mild to severe temperature; this tends to reduce when the rash appears
- tiny greyish-white spots in the mouth and throat (on the buccal mucosa)
- dry cough
- red-brown spotty rash. The measles rash appears 2 to 7 days after initial symptoms. The spots usually start on the face, spread around the head and neck, then spread down the legs and the rest of the body. The spots are initially small but quickly get bigger and often join together.
The above symptoms generally last for up to 10 days.
Possible complications of Measles include pneumonia, ear and eye infections and croup (an infection of the lungs and throat), which would require treatment.
Infection can be severe and even fatal in the very young.
How is Measles Treated?
There is no specific treatment for measles. The body's immune system can usually fight off infection in a couple of weeks. Typically, once you have fought off the measles infection, you develop lifelong immunity (resistance) to it.
Are Some People More at Risk of Infection than Others?
Anyone who has not had measles before may be at risk of catching it if they are in contact with a person with measles.
Measles is usually a mild illness and most healthy children recover with no complications. However, certain groups of people, such as children under 1-year old, adults, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems, may be at more risk of complications.
Pregnant women with measles should contact their GP or Midwife for advice.
How can Measles be Prevented?
Two doses of the MMR vaccine are given in childhood to give immunity to measles.
The vaccination is also recommended for healthcare workers with no history of measles infection and no immunity to the virus
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Infection prevention and control (IPC) service.
About this information
Service:
Infection prevention and control (IPC)
Reference:
LL/008
Approval date:
23 December 2024
Review date:
1 November 2027
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.