The illness begins with symptoms similar to those of a common cold
Everything you need to know about Measles
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a warning over a “highly infectious” disease that was common back in Victorian times. Government health chiefs said in a new alert on X, formerly Twitter, on Wednesday that one infected person can potentially spread it to 15 unvaccinated individuals.
The post reads: “Measles is highly infectious. 1 person can infect 15 other unvaccinated people on average. Being vaccinated helps protect you, and others who can’t be vaccinated such as young and unborn babies.”
Graphics accompanying the post further explain that it is “one of the most infectious diseases in the world [and] can be passed very easily from person to person”. UKHSA goes on to say measles is almost twice as contagious as the common cold, and five times more infectious than covid.
Guidance adds: “The MMR vaccine is highly effective and safe. It’s the best way to avoid catching and spreading measles. When most people are protected by the vaccine, it’s harder for the disease to spread.”
Latest UKHSA figures show there were there were 59 new reported cases of measles in the four weeks up to and including the week beginning February 3. The next update is due on March 13.
Measles typically begins with symptoms similar to a common cold, followed by a rash a few days later and sometimes small spots inside the mouth. Initial symptoms include fever, nasal congestion or discharge, coughing, sneezing, and red, sore, watery eyes. The rash usually starts on the face and behind the ears before spreading across the body.
The spots may merge into blotchy patches and are not typically itchy. On white skin, the rash appears brown or red, but it may be less visible on darker skin tones. NHS guidance adds that if you’ve had both doses of the MMR vaccine or have previously had measles, it’s highly unlikely you’ll contract the disease.
You should ring 111 or request an urgent GP appointment if you suspect you or your child might have measles, if your child is under one year old and has been in contact with a measles patient, or if you’ve been in close proximity to someone with measles and are pregnant or have a compromised immune system.
You should also seek urgent medical advice if:
- you or your child have a high temperature that has not come down after taking paracetamol or ibuprofen
- you or your child have difficulty breathing – you may feel more short of breath than usual
- your baby or young child is not feeding well, or taking less feeds or fluids than usual
- you or your child are peeing less than usual (or your baby has fewer wet nappies)
- you or your child feels very unwell, or you’re worried something is seriously wrong
Anyone with measles should stay off work, school or nursery for at least four days from when the rash first appears, and try to avoid close contact with babies and anyone who is pregnant or has a weakened immune system.