Measles Posted or Updated on 9 Sep 2024

We have been notified by NH England that we have had a number of measles cases reported in Leicestershire.

This is an extremely infectious disease with 1 person likely to infect 15 people (to put it into context, it is 14 times more infectious than Covid-19). It is spread through coughing/sneezing/surface droplets and can stay airborne for up to 2 hours. It has a 10-12 day incubation period and you will be infectious until approximately 4 days after the rash develops. There is a 90% change of catching this if you come into contact with someone with Measles and you are unprotected by the MMR vaccine.  Pregnant ladies are particularly vulnerable and we urge you to speak to your midwife if you have any concerns.

Symptoms are:

• High Temperature
• Sneezing
• Cough
• Red, sore, watery eyes

Initially, followed by a rash. If you have any of these symptoms, we ask that you ring the surgery and do not come down unless requested to do so by a member of staff.

Good news is if you have had two MMR doses of the vaccine you are likely to be covered.

If you are not sure whether you or your children have had two doses of the MMR vaccination, please take a look on your NHS App or contact the surgery who will check and book you in for your MMR vaccine.

If you would like more information about MMR please visit www.nhs.uk/condtions/vaccinations/pages/mmr-vacccine.aspx