Information about measles

If you think you or your child has measles, call your GP surgery or NHS 111 before turning up at Accident and Emergency / Emergency Departments or Urgent Treatment Centres. 

If you have been in contact with a case of measles

Please note the following important information.

The first signs of measles include:

• cold like symptoms / runny nose
• cough
• red sore eyes (conjunctivitis)
• high temperature / fever
• rash that usually starts on the head / neck before spreading downwards on the body

If you or anyone who has had contact with a case of measles becomes unwell with the above symptoms within three weeks of the contact, you should seek medical advice

You should avoid exposing others who may be at risk, in particular children under three years, pregnant women or people who have low immunity to infections. 

People with weakened immunity, who are pregnant or with infants under one, should contact their doctor for advice.

It is important that you ring your GP / Out of Hours GP service or 111 rather than turn up at the surgery or a walk-in centre / urgent treatment centre if you suspect you have measles. This is because measles is highly infectious, and your doctor may want to make special arrangements for you to be seen. 

More information about measles

Measles can be serious, particularly for people whose immune system is not working normally. The best way to prevent measles is through vaccination. 

Most older children and adults are immune to measles and so are very unlikely to catch it. This is either because they had measles as a child or because they have been vaccinated. 

Information about measles can be found on the NHS website