How to stay safe during a measles outbreak
Updated 20 June 2023
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/measles-outbreak/how-to-stay-safe-during-a-measles-outbreak
Measles is circulating in the UK.
Measles is extremely infectious. It can cause serious illness and be fatal.
Symptoms of measles
Measles symptoms include:
- high fever
- sore red, watery eyes
- coughing
- a runny nose
- aching and feeling generally unwell
- a blotchy red brown rash, which usually appears after the first symptoms
Protecting yourself from measles
To protect yourself and those around you from measles:
-
make sure your children get 2 MMR vaccines on time – the first at 12 months of age and the second at 3 years, 4 months
-
if you or your children missed these vaccines, it’s not too late – ask for the free vaccine from your GP if you or your children aren’t up to date
If you think you have measles
If you have symptoms of measles stay at home and phone your GP or NHS 111.
Do not attend GP surgeries and A&E departments without informing them that you think you have measles before you visit – you could spread the illness to others.
For further information about measles please visit NHS.UK
Additional information on measles vaccination is also available.