As the colder weather creeps in and people spend more time indoors, viruses like measles are easier to spread, leading medical experts to warn people about the symptoms to look out for
Last year saw the highest number of measles cases in England since 2012 and while it’s usually just uncomfortable for sufferers, it can also lead to death in rare cases.
Measles is highly contagious and patients remain infectious for up to ten days. Dr Pallavi Bradshaw, Medical Director at AXA Health Insurance, said that while measles is often associated with younger children, outbreaks can also spread rapidly among students in halls of residence and lecture theatres.
And as students head to university, they are being urged to check their health records to see whether they have been vaccinated against the illness.
He also explained the key signs of measles to look out for and outlined practical guidance for minimising the spread of the virus.
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Dr Bradshaw said: “While measles is often identified by its distinctive red rash, other symptoms can appear two to four days before the rash develops.
“Therefore, early recognition is crucial to prevent the spread of the highly contagious infection.”
Eight pre-rash measles symptoms to look out for:
- Cold-like symptoms
- Watery, red, swollen eyes
- High temperature
- Small greyish-white spots in the mouth
- Muscle pain
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Barky cough
- Flat red spots
- Slightly raised bumps
- Red, pink or reddish-brown rash
- Starts on the hairline, face, neck and behind the ears
- Spreads downwards to the arms, legs and feet
- Larger blotchy patches on the chest and back
- Not usually itchy
Dr Bradshaw added, via Wales Online: “If you show any of these symptoms of measles, or have been in contact with someone with measles, contact your GP immediately for a proper diagnosis.
“Measles is a highly contagious viral infection, transmitted through coughs and sneezes. As an airborne virus, measles can remain in the air for up to two hours after contamination, increasing the risk of exposure to the virus.
“If you have measles, it usually lasts 10-14 days if you don’t have complications. The best way to prevent the spread of measles is to ensure your vaccination record is up to date.
“When you were younger, you should have received two doses of the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine. However, if you haven’t received both doses of the MMR vaccine, speak to your GP about this.”
This year there have been 529 confirmed measles cases, the majority, 357, were children under ten.
Medical experts say the reason there have been more cases of measles in children and young people is because fewer people are having the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles as well as two other viruses called mumps and rubella.
Earlier this year a child, who was thought to have other health conditions, died from measles – it is not known whether the child had been vaccinated, but the jab provides 97 per cent protection against getting ill.