How measles can be transmitted

The virus can remain in an indoor shared space after an infectious person has left. People without adequate immunity may become infected after breathing contaminated air or having close contact. Transmission is not limited to direct touch. Early illness may include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and later a rash; these features can overlap with other infections. Read more about [Measles](/conditions/measles/) and related [Fever](/symptoms/fever/).

Write down when and where the contact occurred, and check your vaccination history. Phone a [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) service promptly for personalised advice, especially for babies, pregnant people, or anyone with reduced immunity. Avoid close contact with vulnerable people while advice is pending. If symptoms appear, stay home and call before attending. [MMR Vaccination](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/mmr-vaccination/) is a key prevention discussion.

Contact a healthcare service promptly after a known exposure, or when fever and rash occur together. Seek urgent help for breathing difficulty, unusual sleepiness, confusion, inability to keep fluids down, or signs of dehydration. Do not wait in a crowded waiting room if measles is possible; explain the concern by phone first. Swollen glands can accompany infections but are not specific to measles; see [Swollen Glands](/symptoms/swollen-glands/) for broader context.

Ask whether the exposure timing changes your advice, whether your vaccine record shows protection, how long to avoid close contact, and which symptoms require urgent review.