Measles cases are continuing to rise, with an increase in the number of young adults (aged 16-25) catching the infection.
Measles spreads very easily, even a cough or sneeze can spread the infection. It is most common in children, but adults can also be infected, particularly if they haven’t had the MMR vaccination.
Universities, colleges and schools and other busy places where large groups of people are spending lots of time with each other, provide the perfect conditions for infections to spread quickly.
15 minutes with someone who has measles is enough time for the virus to be passed on. You’re infectious from when you first have symptoms (around 4 days before the rash appears) until 4 days after you get the rash.
What are the symptoms of measles?
Measles usually starts with cold-like symptoms. Some people may also get small spots in their mouth. A rash usually appears a few days after the cold-like symptoms.
The rash starts on the face and behind the ears before spreading to the rest of the body.
You can find out more about measles symptoms on our website
Why is it so dangerous?
Measles can lead to serious problems if it spreads to other parts of the body, such as the lungs or brain. Some people can become very poorly and develop other conditions, such as pneumonia or meningitis. In very rare cases, people can die from the disease.
These problems are rare, but some people are more at risk. This includes babies and people with weakened immune systems. If a woman catches measles during pregnancy, this can be dangerous for the mother and can result in her baby being born prematurely with a low birth weight.
MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) vaccine
There is no treatment for measles, but the MMR vaccine is a safe way to protect yourself from the virus. It also protects you from mumps and rubella. The MMR vaccine is offered to all children in the UK, but older children and adults can have it if they were not vaccinated when they were younger.
You can speak to your GP about getting vaccinated if you did not have it as a child, or if you’re not sure if you’ve been fully vaccinated. Pharmacies across Greater Manchester are also offering the MMR vaccine to make it quicker and easier for people who haven’t had the vaccine to catch up. Anyone aged five and over who has missed their MMR vaccinations can go to a participating pharmacy to get their MMR vaccination. You can find out which pharmacies are offering this service on our website.
Two doses can give lifelong protection against measles, mumps, and rubella.
What to do if you think you may have measles
It’s very unlikely to be measles if you’ve had both doses of the MMR vaccine or you’ve had measles before.
If you are worried you have measles, you should speak to your GP or NHS 111 as soon as possible. Please DO NOT go to your GP practice or healthcare setting without phoning ahead first and explaining you think you may have measles, as you will risk spreading the infection to others.
Our website has information about measles symptoms and what to do if you are poorly.
For more information about Measles and the MMR vaccine, please visit MMR for all: general guide – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
MMR available in pharmacies - find your nearest participating pharmacy
