Measles

Measles is an infection that spreads very easily and can cause serious problems in some people. Having the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine is the best way to prevent it.

You are receiving this information as it is believed your child may have measles.

A swab has been taken from your child to test for measles. That test result will take 24 to 48 hours to be confirmed. You will be told of the result by telephone.

If the swab result is negative you can stop isolating. If your child has not received the MMR vaccine, please contact your GP or Health Visitor to arrange this.

The guidance below applies whilst you are awaiting the swab result, and if the result is positive.

Stay off nursery, school, or work for at least 4 days from when the rash first appears.

Also avoid close contact with babies, people who are pregnant and people with weakened immune systems.

How to avoid spreading or catching measles

Measles is spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes. There are things you can do to reduce the risk of spreading or catching it.

Signs of measles

Measles usually starts with cold-like symptoms, followed by a rash a few days later. Some people may also get small spots in their mouth.

Cold-like symptoms

The first symptoms of measles may include:

• a high temperature
• a runny or blocked nose
• sneezing
• a cough
• red, sore, watery eyes

Spots in the mouth

Small white spots may appear inside the cheeks and on the back of the lips a few days later. These spots usually last a few days.

The measles rash

A rash usually appears a few days after the cold-like symptoms. The rash usually starts on the face and behind the ears before spreading to the rest of the body.

The spots of the measles rash are sometimes raised and join to form blotchy patches. They are not usually itchy. The rash looks brown or red on white skin. It may be harder to see on brown and black skin.

How to look after yourself or your child

Measles usually starts to get better in about a week.

Complications of measles

Measles can lead to serious problems if it spreads to other parts of the body, such as the lungs or brain.Problems that can be caused by measles include:

• pneumonia
• meningitis
• blindness
• seizures (fits)

These problems are rare, but some people are more at risk. This includes babies and people with weakened immune systems.

One of the most common issues with measles, and many other childhood illnesses, is fever.

What is fever?

Normal body temperature is around 37 degrees Celsius. A fever is a raised temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or higher and is best measured using a digital thermometer if possible.

Your child may feel hot and sweaty and look shivery and flushed. Fever is the body’s normal response to fighting an infection.

The temperature usually returns to normal within 3 to 4 days.

What can I do to help my child?

• Do not over or under dress your child
• Give paracetamol (if over 3 months of age) or ibuprofen (if over 6 months of age) if your child is distressed or unwell.

Do not give both paracetamol and ibuprofen at the same time but consider the other medicine if your child does not respond to the first medicine after 30 to 60 minutes.

• Paracetamol (Calpol) can be given every 4 hours
  • Do not give more than 4 doses in 24 hours
• Ibuprofen can be given every 6 hours
  • Do not give more than 3 doses in 24 hours
• Follow the dosing instructions on the bottle of your medicine – the doses change as children get older, so make sure you are giving the right amount.

Get vaccinated against measles

The MMR vaccine can prevent measles. It also protects you from mumps and rubella. The MMR vaccine is offered to all children in the UK. 2 doses can give lifelong protection against measles, mumps, and rubella.

Find out more about the MMR vaccine

To check if your child is up to date with their vaccinations check their red book or phone or email their GP practice. If any doses have been missed, you can make an appointment at your GP practice to catch up and become protected.

Further resources

For more information about fever and unwell children, visit the South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw Healthier Together

Scan the above QR code for Healthier Together