Not so measly Measles….

Some information from our specialist nurse Catherine Brewer about Measles

Many of us believed measles to be a thing of the past due to the effective vaccine available but it would seem that is not true. At present, in 2024, England has an ongoing measles outbreak, which started in the Midlands in around October 2023.  There are now over 500 recorded cases and the numbers just keep growing. This is believed to be due to poor vaccine uptake in children in certain parts of England but can affect unvaccinated adults as well. Research in the 90s which had suggested the MMR (Measles Mumps Rubella) vaccine was linked to autism and colitis has been shown to be false and fraudulent, to the point that the lead doctor of this misleading research was struck off and the medical journals withdrew the publication. Research since then has confirmed there is no link. For most people, measles is not a serious disease, but for some measles can pose serious threat to health.  

Spread

Why put you or your family at risk? Measles is one of the most contagious infectious diseases, so it is easily picked up if you are not immune.

It is caught from infected droplets in the air or on surfaces. Coughs and sneezes spread diseases! Measles takes about 10 days for symptoms to develop from exposure. People are infectious from their first symptoms until about 4 days after the rash appears.

Measles in the news, BBC Feb24.

Symptoms

Usually the first symptoms are cough, runny nose, fever and conjunctivitis. A rash usually appears a few days later and can show as a rash in the mouth before usually developing on the head and neck before spreading to the body and limbs.

Measles, however, can be a severe disease in about 10-20% of people, causing pneumonia and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). and can leave young children (generally under 1) and adults with long-term health issues and can be fatal. It can be a very serious disease and can leave young children (generally under 1) and adults with long-term health issues, and can be fatal.

Management

In most people, measles can be managed with good fluid intake and paracetamol or ibuprofen (as long as no other reason to not take ibuprofen). Children have a higher rate of needing hospitalisation, and some say as many as  1 in 5 children. Some adults, for instance, those with low immune levels, will also be at more risk of complications of measles.

Koplik’s spots

The rash measles causes which occurs in the mouth.

Prevention

Why put yourself or your family at risk?  If you or any of your family have not had the measles vaccine (given as part of the MMR), why not get vaccinated? The vaccine is usually given at 1 year old but can be given to younger children if they are at high risk. When given at this time, the 2nd vaccine would usually be given before they start school but can be given after 1 month if required. Older children and adults normally have the 2 vaccines needed to keep them protected 1 month apart. Some people cannot receive the vaccine, for instance, people who are immune suppressed, have a history of anaphylaxis to this vaccine or are pregnant. Ensuring good levels of vitamin A in the diet can also help, so for instance, fruit and vegetables, eggs, and milk.

If you are worried that someone has measles and is unwell - seek medical help. If you are at risk of measles, speak to a healthcare professional about getting your vaccine today!