The United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) have recently updated information following a national increase in the number of measles cases. UKHSA is urging parents of young children, teenagers and adults to check they are up to date with their MMR vaccines, particularly as we are spending more time indoors where measles can spread more easily. Children are offered the first vaccination at 1 year and the second dose at 3 years and 4 months.
Parents/Carers can check if their child is up to date with their MMR vaccines, by looking in the child’s personal child health record (PCHR), known as the red book, or contact the GP practice. If anyone has missed one or both doses of the MMR vaccine, contact the GP practice to book an appointment. It is never too late to catch up.
Symptoms of measles
Measles usually starts with cold like symptoms e.g. a high temperature, blocked or runny nose, sneezing, cough, red, sore watery eyes
Other symptoms:
Small white spots in mouth
Measles rash (red and blotchy) which usually appears a few days after the cold like symptoms starting on face and behind ears then spreading to rest of the body.
Anyone displaying symptoms should consult the GP or NHS 111
For further information visit NHS Website
Anyone with symptoms should not return to the setting, school, nursery etc. for at least 4 days from when the rash first appears and avoid close contact with babies, pregnant women and people with a weakened immune system.
Reducing the spread of infection
Wash hands regularly with soap and water
Use tissues when you cough and sneeze
Throw used tissues in to the bin