Measles factsheet
Updated 25 July 2024
Applies to England
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-measles-guidelines/measles-factsheet
1. What measles is
Measles infection is caused by a virus, and spreads between people very easily. Once symptoms start, people can become unwell quickly. You can get measles at any age, but it is often young children who catch it.
2. How measles spreads
You can catch measles through close contact with someone who has measles. This could be from the air when they cough or sneeze, or by touching things that someone with measles has coughed or sneezed on. Measles spreads very easily in households and in other places where people mix closely together.
You can be protected from catching measles if you have had 2 doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, or if you have had the infection before.
A person with measles can spread the infection in the 4 days before they get the rash until 4 days after they develop their rash.
3. Symptoms of measles
Symptoms of measles usually start between 10 and 12 days after catching the infection. Sometimes it can take up to 21 days for any symptoms to appear.
Measles usually starts with cold-like symptoms. The first symptoms of measles include:
- a high temperature
- a runny or blocked nose
- sneezing
- a cough
- red, sore, watery eyes
Small white spots may appear inside the cheeks and on the back of the lips a few days later. These spots usually last a few days.
A rash usually appears 2 to 4 days after the cold-like symptoms started. The rash starts on the face and behind the ears before spreading to the rest of the body.
The spots of the measles rash can sometimes be raised. They may join to form blotchy patches. They are not usually itchy.
The rash looks brown or red on white skin. It may be harder to see on brown and black skin.
4. How serious is measles?
Around 1 in 15 people with measles can become seriously unwell. Younger children, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to become seriously unwell.
The more serious complications of measles can include:
- ear infections
- lung infection (pneumonia)
- diarrhoea
- dehydration
- fits (which are less common)
Measles infection during pregnancy can result in the loss or early birth of the baby.
5. Preventing measles
Having the MMR vaccine is the best way to prevent measles.
The vaccine is usually given to children in two doses. The first dose is given to children aged 12 months old, and the second dose is given after they are 3 years and 4 months old.
If your child is identified as a close contact of someone with measles, sometimes your doctor may recommend the MMR vaccine is given earlier than these scheduled doses. If a dose if given to an infant aged under 12 months then the usual 2 doses of MMR still need to be given at the usual times (with a minimum of 1 month gap between any doses).
If someone has missed a dose or are unsure if they have had any vaccinations, the vaccine can be given at any age. Parents and guardians can check their child’s red book for their vaccination records.
Pregnant women or people with weakened immune systems should not have the vaccine. If they think they have had contact with someone with measles they should speak to their GP or midwife for further advice.
More information is available on MMR vaccinations.
6. Staying away from other people if you are unwell with measles
A person with measles can spread the infection in the 4 days before they get the rash. Once a person has the rash, they can still spread the infection for another 4 days.
If you have been told by a healthcare professional that you might have measles, you should stay away from childcare, school or work for at least 4 days from when your rash first appeared. You can return to your normal activities after 4 days if you feel well and you no longer have a temperature.
7. Treatments for people with measles
Measles usually starts to get better in about a week.
It can help to rest and drink plenty of fluids, such as water, to avoid dehydration.
Measles can sometimes cause other illnesses. You may be given antibiotics to treat them.
If you have been told by a healthcare professional that you might have measles and think that you or your child are developing more serious health effects, you should contact your GP.
More information on measles is available.