Measles                 

Measles is a highly infectious viral illness.

It is spread by respiratory droplets. Someone with measles is infectious 2-4 days before the rash appears and for 5 days after.

It is most common in young children, but anyone who hasn’t been immunised can catch it. The incidence of measles has been increasing because of the reduction in young children being immunised.

SYMPTOMS
•    Cold like symptoms, such as runny nose, watery eyes and sneezing
•    Red eyes and sensitivity to light
•    A mild to severe temperature, which may peak over 40C for several days. After several days the temperature may fall but then rise again when the rash appears.
•    Tiny greyish- white spots in the mouth and throat
•    Aches and pains
•    Poor appetite
•    Dry cough
•    Red brown spotty rash that usually appears 3-4 days after the first symptoms. The spots usually begin behind the ears, spread around the head and neck and after a couple of days spread to the rest of the body. The spots start small but then get bigger and often join up together.

COMMON COMPLICATIONS
•    Diarrhoea and vomiting
•    Eye infection, conjunctivitis
•    Inflammation of the voice box (laryngitis)
•    Inner ear infection

LESS COMMON COMPLICATIONS
•    Meningitis
•    Pneumonia (lung infection)
•    Hepatitis (liver infection)
•    Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) – watch out for drowsiness, headache and vomiting
•    Low platelet count
•    Bronchitis
•    Squint
•    Infection of the optic nerve
•    Heart and nervous system problems
•     A serious brain complication known as subacute sclerosing panencephalitis can occur sometimes several years after measles. It is very rare but fatal.

DIAGNOSIS
Usually it is possible to diagnose clinically, but a blood or saliva test may be required.

TREATMENT
•    Keep fever down with paracetamol or ibuprofen
•    Closing curtains or dimming light can reduce light sensitivity
•    Avoid dehydration
•    Antibiotics may be used for the COMPLICATIONS of the infection.

HOW TO AVOID
The most effective way to avoid measles is by being vaccinated with the MMR vaccine. We would recommend two doses of the vaccine should be given. All the GP Practices will be able to offer this. Please make an appointment to see a practice nurse.

Remember being in a school or university setting does increase the risk of spread of contagious diseases.

Source: NHS Direct