What should you know about measles as a notifiable disease?

Measles spreads readily between people, including before the rash is fully established. Public health teams may ask about symptom onset, places visited, household contacts, travel and vaccination history. Fever and swollen glands can be caused by several conditions, so a clinician combines the history and examination with testing or specialist advice when appropriate.

If measles is possible, phone a GP or health service before going to a clinic, pharmacy or hospital. Stay home and avoid close indoor contact, especially with babies, pregnant people and those with reduced immunity. Keep a note of when symptoms began, recent contacts, travel and vaccination doses. Follow public health instructions about testing, isolation and contact information.

Request prompt assessment for fever with a new spreading rash or known exposure. Seek urgent help for breathing trouble, severe weakness, dehydration, confusion, a seizure or difficulty waking. Tell the service if the affected person is very young, pregnant or immunocompromised so the advice can be tailored safely.

Ask whether the illness needs testing or notification, how your information will be used, how long to avoid contact and which household members need advice.