The number of young people catching measles has risen. Measles is an infection that spreads very easily and can cause serious complications in some people, such as meningitis or sepsis. Having the MMR vaccine is the best way to prevent it.
Measles symptoms include high fever, sore, red, watery eyes, coughing, aching and feeling generally unwell; a blotchy red brown rash usually appears after these initial symptoms.
If you think you or your child has measles, stay at home and phone your GP or NHS 111 for advice. Stay away from GP surgeries and A&E departments. Stay off nursery, school, or work for at least four days from when the rash first appears.
It’s never too late to be vaccinated. Remember, you need two doses of the MMR vaccine to be fully protected against measles, mumps and rubella.