What is measles? Vaccine, rash and symptoms in relation to rising cases in the UK
UK Health Agency (UKHSA) urged parents to check whether their children are aware MMR vaccination against the background of increasing number of cases measles.
As of May 2023, there have been 49 reported cases of measles in the UK, compared to 54 for the whole of 2022. Most of the cases were detected in London.
Dr Vanessa Saliba, UKHSA consultant epidemiologist, said: “We are urging all parents and carers to make sure their children have had two doses of MMR. It’s never too late to catch up and you can get MMR vaccine free on the NHS whatever your age.
“Vaccines are our best line of defense against diseases like measles, mumps and rubella and help stop outbreaks in the community.”
She added: “Measles spreads very easily and can lead to complications requiring hospital stay and in rare cases can cause life-long disability or death, so it is very worrying to see cases increasing this year.”
So, what is measles and what symptoms should you look out for?
What is measles?
In accordance with World Health OrganizationMeasles is a highly contagious and sometimes fatal disease that remains “an important cause of death among young children.”
It is a viral disease of the respiratory system that, if left untreated, can have serious health complications, including lung and brain infection.
The disease can be spread by contact with infected mucus and saliva.
What are the symptoms of measles?
According to the NHS, the first symptoms of measles usually appear around 10 days after exposure.
Symptoms include:
- cold-like symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing and coughing
- sore, red eyes that may be sensitive to light
- high temperature, which can reach about 40°C
- small grayish-white spots on the inside of the cheeks
After a few days, a red-brown, mottled rash will appear, usually starting on the head or upper neck before spreading to the rest of the body.
How to recognize a rash with measles?
The rash usually appears after the first few days of feeling well.
The NHS identifies four key characteristics of a measles rash:
- consists of small red-brown, flat or slightly raised spots that may coalesce into large mottled spots
- usually first appears on the head or neck before spreading down the rest of the body
- a little itchy for some
- may look similar to other childhood illnesses such as slapped cheek syndrome, roseola, or rubella.
Why has the number of measles cases increased?
UKSHA has warned that measles is now spreading in many countries around the world.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that there is likely to be a resurgence of cases in Europe where parents do not vaccinate their children.
During the Covid pandemic, the number of children being vaccinated against measles has fallen, leaving “many children unprotected from serious infections and the country at increased risk of outbreaks”, according to UKSHA.
NHS Director of Vaccination and Screening Steve Russell said: “The MMR vaccine has helped prevent millions of people from developing potentially life-threatening diseases and it’s clear that when uptake falls, the number of infections increases, so I strongly urge parents to review their children’s vaccination status to they could protect them and others from measles, mumps and rubella.’
Is measles deadly?
Measles usually clears up in about seven to ten days, but in some cases it can lead to potentially life-threatening complications.
These include meningitis, febrile seizures, liver infection (hepatitis), pneumonia and encephalitis (brain infection).
Can you get measles more than once?
Once you’ve developed immunity from vaccination or had measles once, your body develops a tolerance, so it’s unlikely you’ll get measles again.
Who is most at risk of measles?
Unvaccinated children are most at risk of contracting measles and its subsequent complications.
Pregnant women are also at risk.
Anyone without immunity (who has not been vaccinated or who has been vaccinated but has not developed immunity) can contract the virus.
How to prevent measles?
Routine measles vaccinations for children have been in use for the past 50 years.
In the UK, measles is prevented by the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which is given in two doses as part of the NHS childhood vaccination programme.
In recent years, UKSHA claims that the number of children vaccinated against measles has decreased.
Uptake of the first dose of the MMR vaccine by two-year-olds in England is 89 per cent, and uptake of two doses of the MMR vaccine by five-year-olds is 85 per cent.
This is below the 95 percent target set by WHO to achieve and maintain elimination.
Alternatively, a treatment called human normal immunoglobulin (HNIG) is used if you are at immediate risk of measles.
How do you treat measles?
There is no specific antiviral treatment for measles, but there are some measures you can take to ease symptoms.
These include:
- taking paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve fever, aches and pains
- stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
- keep curtains closed to reduce sensitivity to light
- with the help of wet cotton to clean the eyes
- time off from work or school for at least four days when the rash first appeared.
WHO also recommends that children diagnosed with measles receive two doses of vitamin A to prevent the risk of eye damage.
Who should have the MMR vaccine?
The first dose of the MMR vaccine is offered to all children at one year of age.
Children are given a second dose of MMR before they start school, usually at three years and four months.
There are certain circumstances in which children should not receive the MMR vaccine, which are detailed below NHS website.
Adults who missed the MMR vaccine as children and are therefore not immune can get the MMR vaccine on the NHS.
Is the MMR vaccine safe?
In the 1980s, following a study by Dr. Andrew Wakefield in 1998, there was some controversy over whether the MMR vaccine could cause autism.
This caused a sharp drop in the number of vaccinated children.
No evidence of a link between the MMR vaccine and autism was subsequently found.
Although the MMR vaccine may not work for everyone and cause side effects in some children, the vaccine is generally considered safe.
However, the decision to vaccinate your child is a personal choice, so make sure you consult your GP who can best advise you.
In 2016, the WHO announced that the UK had eliminated the disease thanks to the effectiveness of the vaccine.
https://www.standard.co.uk/news/health/measles-outbreak-symptoms-should-you-get-measles-vaccine-a4144531.html
