The number of people catching measles is rising in Greater Manchester.

Measles is a very infectious disease – just a cough or sneeze can spread the virus to other people.

It spreads easily and quickly among those who are not vaccinated, especially in nurseries and schools.

Measles can also be very dangerous. Some people get very sick from measles and can develop pneumonia and meningitis. One in five people with measles will go to hospital and in very rare cases people can die from the disease.

People in certain at-risk groups including babies and young children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immunity, are at increased risk of complications from measles.

Signs and symptoms

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.

Symptoms of measles appear 7-10 days after contact with the virus and include:

• cold-like symptoms such as runny or blocked nose, sneezing and cough
• sore, red watery eyes
• high temperature (fever), which may reach around 40^OC / 104^OF
• a non-itchy, red-brown rash usually appears 3-5 days later (it sometimes starts around the ears before spreading to rest of the body) spots may be raised and join to form blotchy patches – which may be harder to see on darker skin tones
• small white spots may appear inside cheeks and the back of lips (for a few days)

Vaccination

You need two doses of the MMR vaccine to be fully protected against measles, mumps and rubella.

There’s no specific medical treatment for measles, so it’s important to get the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine.

The MMR vaccination is a safe way to protect yourself and your children. You will also be protected against mumps and rubella, which can also be very serious.

Measles is not just a childhood disease and can be serious at any age. If caught during pregnancy it can cause stillbirth, miscarriage and low birth weight.

Anyone can catch up at any age on any missed doses. It’s never too late to protect yourself.

To get the best protection you need to have two doses of MMR vaccine. Those who haven’t had both doses will be more at risk.

Children under one year old are most at risk if family members and social contacts are not immunised.

Starting nursery and school increases the risk of children being exposed to infectious diseases so it is important to protect your child.

Parents who are unsure if their child is up to date with all of their routine immunisations should check their child’s Red Book (personal child health record), check the NHS app, or contact their GP practice. If children have not had their vaccinations then their GP can arrange a vaccination, free of charge.

Adults who are unsure of their own vaccination status can speak to their GP who will arrange for a catch up immunisation if necessary –  this is also free of charge.

If you are immunocompromised, please seek advice before you have the vaccinations. Your local GP or specialist will advise you on the what to do.

Anyone who is unable to touch pork products can request a non-porcine version (Priorix) of the vaccination from their GP.