Information for passengers and crew on a flight with a case of infectious measles
Updated 28 October 2019
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/measles-public-health-response-to-infectious-cases-travelling-by-air/information-for-passengers-and-crew-on-a-flight-with-a-case-of-infectious-measles
1. Information for passengers and crew on a flight with a case of infectious measles
This information is only intended for people who have been informed by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) or their airline that they have flown on an aircraft (or other enclosed transport) with someone who had infectious measles in the last few days. If you have not been told this, then the contents of this page do not apply to you, and you should contact your doctor if you have any queries about measles.
2. About measles
Measles is a disease which spreads very easily. People with measles can get a cough, runny nose, rash and fever. Measles can be serious, particularly for people whose immune system is not working normally.
3. The risk of catching measles
Most older children and adults are immune to measles, either because they had measles as a child or because they have been vaccinated, and so are very unlikely to catch measles.
4. Those who need medical advice
You should contact your doctor straight away if you have weakened immunity (due to illness or medication) and have been exposed to infectious measles. If you are not immune and the exposure was within the past few days, your doctor may be able to organise treatment to prevent you becoming seriously ill.
If you are pregnant and not sure of your immunity or if you were travelling with a baby under 6 months of age, and you have been told by UKHSA or airline that there was measles on your recent flight, it may also be worth seeking your doctor’s advice.
If you become unwell and think it could be measles (within 3 weeks of the flight), you should see a doctor. You should ring the doctor or clinic beforehand so they can make sure you do not pass the disease to others in the waiting room.
Take this information with you and tell your doctor that you have been on the same flight as someone with infectious measles. Your doctor should seek advice from the local Health Protection Team.
If you are well and not in the groups listed above (pregnant, baby under 6 months, weakened immunity) you do not need to take action.
Further information on measles is available.