Measles: Protect yourself, your family and your community

Measles is a very infectious disease that spreads easily and can lead to serious health complications, particularly for vulnerable individuals, including those who are immunocompromised or pregnant. Outbreaks can happen when not enough people have been immunised. 

We have prepared the information below to help you recognise the signs of measles and understand what to do if you suspect that you, or a friend of family member, or someone in your wider community has the condition. Please share it with family, friends and anyone else in your communities and networks. A downloadable factsheet containing this information is also available here.

Also, with large gatherings approaching, including upcoming Eid celebrations, please remind parents and children to speak to their GP if they experience any symptoms, as measles spreads easily in group settings. If they do attend a large gathering, please remind them to stay vigilant for symptoms, as most people experience symptoms 10-12 days after contact with the virus. 

What is measles? 

Measles usually starts with cold-like symptoms. The first symptoms of measles include: 

• a high temperature 
• a runny or blocked nose 
• sneezing 
• a cough 
• red, sore, watery eyes 

A rash usually appears a few days after the cold-like symptoms. The rash starts on the face and behind the ears before spreading to the rest of the body. Some people may also get small spots in their mouth, particularly inside the cheeks and on the back of the lips. Learn more about symptoms here.  

What should you do if you or someone else in your family or community has suspected measles? 

If your child develops symptoms, you should urgently contact your GP. You must contact the surgery by telephone before visiting and tell the reception staff that you think that your child may have measles. Please do not attend the surgery unless you are asked to. The doctor will make special arrangements to see your child so that if they have measles, they won’t pass it on to others. GPs should also be contacted in cases where adults are vulnerable, for example, immunocompromised or pregnant. 

How can you protect yourself, your family and your community from measles? 

The MMR immunisation remains the best way to protect yourself and the wider community from measles because it is effective, safe, and free of charge.   

Two doses of the MMR immunisation are required to produce satisfactory protection against measles, mumps and rubella. 

Research has shown there is no link between the MMR immunisation and autism. 

The MMR immunisation is safe for all faiths and cultures, and a pork-free version is available for those who avoid pork products.   

Further information on the MMR immunisation can be found here. 

Thank you for your continued support in helping us keep Birmingham safe and healthy.