Measels Virus

There is an increase in measles in Liverpool and Leeds and some countries across Europe,
affecting young unimmunised children. Measles is highly infectious. It can cause serious illness
and can sometimes be fatal. Vaccination with 2 doses of MMR is the safest way to protect children
and young people.

The first MMR vaccine is given to toddlers at the age of 13 months and the second vaccine at
around 3 years and 4 months before your child goes to school. MMR can be given to older
children, teenagers and young adults if they missed their injections when they were younger.
Contact your GP practice if your child needs an MMR vaccine. The vaccine is free. If you are
not sure if your child needs an MMR vaccine, you can contact the GP practice to ask.
Measles is not just a little kid’s problem. Teenagers, young adults and anyone who has missed
their MMR vaccination can get measles. The first signs of measles are fever, cough, runny nose
and red sore eyes. After a few days, a spotty rash will appear. It starts on the face and neck before
spreading to the rest of the body.

Public Health England
Cumbria and Lancashire HPT
Floor C
Lancashire County Council
P O Box 100
County Hall
Preston
PR1 0LD

If you think your child has measles:

Ring your GP practice for advice
Please don’t turn up to the surgery, walk in centre or to accident and emergency without calling ahead. The doctor will make special arrangements to see your child so that if your child has got measles they won’t pass it on to others.

 Keep people with symptoms of measles away from others to avoid spreading measles, and stay away from school, nursery or work for 5 days after the onset of rash.
If you would like more information, see https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/measles/