What should you know about how measles is spread?

Tiny particles can remain in an indoor space after the infected person has left. Someone without adequate immunity may become infected by breathing them in or by close contact with respiratory secretions. Transmission can occur before the rash is obvious, so a person may not realise they are contagious. Exposure does not prove that someone has measles; symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and a spreading rash need assessment. Read more about [Measles](/conditions/measles/).

Contact a healthcare service promptly and explain when and where the exposure happened. Call before visiting so the team can protect other patients. Avoid crowded indoor places and close contact, especially with infants, pregnant people and those with weakened immune systems. Do not share personal items, and improve ventilation where practical. Check for fever, cough, eye redness and rash, but do not wait for symptoms before asking about prevention. Review [MMR Vaccination](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/mmr-vaccination/) with a clinician.

Get urgent help for breathing difficulty, confusion, a seizure, marked drowsiness, inability to drink, or signs of severe dehydration. Seek prompt advice for a suspected exposure involving a young baby, pregnancy, or reduced immune function. If a rash and fever develop, call ahead rather than entering a clinic or emergency waiting area without warning.

Ask whether the exposure requires monitoring or preventive treatment, when to avoid others, and how to protect people at home. Ask about [Fever](/symptoms/fever/) and arranging a [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/).