Measles

Measles is commonly spread through the air by either coughing or sneezing. A typical early symptom is Koplik’s spots, (they look like grains of salt) and appear inside the mouth. Other early symptoms include a high temperature and fever, coughing, and possibly conjunctivitis. The rash starts behind the ears with red small spots and then spreads to the rest of the body.

The infectious period is from the very first symptoms to 5 days after the rash has appeared. Hence the incubation period is approximately 7-21 days in total.

The vaccination against measles is a part of the immunisation programme offered to all children in the UK. Hence seeing Measles is becoming rarer and rarer.


What to do

Contact your doctor immediately for advice.