Measles

Posted by:  - Posted on:

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

Check if you or your child has 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 include:

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

Spots in the mouth

A number of very small white spots inside a person’s 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 measles rash on a person with white skin. The person’s arms, chest and tummy are almost completely covered with red, blotchy patches.
The rash starts on the face and behind the ears before spreading to the rest of the body.
A close-up of the measles rash on someone with white skin, showing some raised red spots joined together to form blotchy patches.
The spots of the measles rash are sometimes raised and join together to form blotchy patches. They’re not usually itchy.
The measles rash on the forehead of a child with light brown skin. The rash looks like pale red blotchy patches.
The rash looks brown or red on white skin. It may be harder to see on brown and black skin.

If you’re not sure it’s measles

It’s very unlikely to be measles if you’ve had both doses of the MMR vaccine or you’ve had measles before.

See other rashes in babies and children

Non-urgent advice: Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:

you think you or your child may have measles

you’ve been in close contact with someone who has measles and you’ve not had measles before or

you’ve not had 2 doses of the MMR vaccine

you’ve been in close contact with someone who has measles and you’re pregnant – measles can be serious in pregnancy

you have a weakened immune system and think you have measles or have been in close contact with someone with measles

Measles can spread to others easily. Call your GP surgery before you go in. They may suggest talking over the phone.

You can also call 111 or get help from 111 online.

How to look after yourself or your child

Measles usually starts to get better in about a week.

After seeing a GP, there are things you can do to help ease the symptoms and reduce the risk of spreading the infection.

It can help to:

  • rest and drink plenty fluids, such as water, to avoid dehydration
  • take paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve a high temperature – do not give aspirin to children under 16 years
  • use cotton wool soaked in warm water to gently remove any crusts from your or your child’s eyes

Non-urgent advice: Important

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

Also try to avoid close contact with babies and anyone who is pregnant or has a weakened immune system.

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.

Do

  • wash your hands often with soap and warm water
  • use tissues when you cough or sneeze
  • throw used tissues in the bin

Don’t

  • do not share cutlery, cups, towels, clothes, or bedding

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:

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

Measles in pregnancy

If you get measles when you’re pregnant, it could harm your baby.

It can cause:

It’s important to get medical advice if you’re pregnant and have been in close contact with someone who has measles.

Non-urgent advice: Call 999 or go to A&E if:

You or your child has measles and:

shortness of breath

a high temperature that does not come down after taking paracetamol or ibuprofen

confusion

seizures (fits)

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.

Ask at your GP surgery if you’re not sure you or your child have had the vaccine. They can give it for free on the NHS.

Find out more about the MMR vaccine