Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can be very unpleasant and sometimes lead to serious complications.

Anyone can get measles if they haven’t been vaccinated or they haven’t had it before, although it’s most common in young children.

The initial symptoms of measles develop around 10 days after you’re infected.

These can include:

• cold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, sneezing, and a cough
• sore, red eyes that may be sensitive to light
• a high temperature (fever), which may reach around 40C (104F)
• small greyish-white spots on the inside of the cheeks

A few days later, a red-brown blotchy rash will appear. This usually starts on the head or upper neck, before spreading outwards to the rest of the body.

More information about the measles, and the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine.

Advice for pregnant women

Guidance for health professionals to share with pregnant women immunised with MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), chickenpox or shingles vaccines.

Music festivals ‘are measles hotspots’

If you are planning to go to any festivals, check with with GP and make an appointment to ensure you have received the two doses of MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine required.