Think Measles
Vaccination rates have fallen and cases of Measles are increasing in England. The MMR vaccination for measles, mumps and rubella is free from your GP Surgery to anyone who needs it and can protect you against this illness.
Measles is a highly infectious disease which spreads very easily.
Early signs of a measles infection include:
cough,
runny nose,
sore red watery eyes,
muscles aches
high fever,
Koplik spots (small red spots with bluish white centres) inside mouth,
and blotchy red rash usually on face and upper neck, then spreads reaching hands and feet.
More severe problems and complications of measles can include:
Severe diarrhoea and dehydration,
ear and chest infections,
pneumonia,
blindness,
and seizures (fits) or encephalitis (brain inflammation), which may require hospitalisation.
Measles can also present more risk for people whose immune system is not working normally and pregnant women.
If you suspect you have measles STAY AT HOME and seek advice from the following NHS websites:
MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
How to stay safe during a measles outbreak – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
If you need to contact NHS 111 or your GP surgery for advice then please do so by phone or using the online triage form on the GP Surgery website. We may ask you to send photos of any rashes.
If you need to attend your GP surgery in person for any other appointment, then please let us know if you suspect you may have measles before you visit.
The reason we have asked you to stay at home wherever possible is because it is important to prevent the spread of this highly contagious illness.