15 August 2023

What is measles? It’s a viral illness that can be serious and sometimes fatal. Spending 15 mins with someone with measles is enough to get the virus. Symptoms of measles: include high fever, runny nose, cough, red and watery eyes, small red spots with a bluish-white centre inside the mouth. A rash can appear later, usually on the face, upper neck, hands and feet, fading after 5 to 6 days. If you’ve not been vaccinated against measles you can be at risk, but it’s most common in young children. Someone with measles can spread the virus up to 4 days before a rash appears, and up to 4 days after.
Last updated: 15 August 2023