What should you know about suspected measles?

Measles is a contagious viral illness that can cause fever, tiredness, cough, runny nose, sore or watery eyes, and a spreading rash. A rash and fever can have other causes, so a clinician may need to assess the pattern, vaccination history, and possible exposure. Measles can spread through the air, including before the rash is fully established. Read more about Measles and related symptoms such as Fever and Swollen Glands.

Call a GP or health service before attending in person and say that measles is possible; this allows the team to arrange an appropriate route of assessment. Keep the person away from school, work, crowded indoor places, and people who may be vulnerable until a clinician gives advice. Encourage fluids and rest, and avoid sharing cups, towels, or utensils. Do not attend a waiting room without first explaining the concern. A GP Consultation can help clarify testing, symptom care, and whether household contacts need advice. MMR Vaccination protects against measles as part of routine prevention, but it is not a substitute for assessment during a current illness.

Seek urgent help for difficult or fast breathing, unusual sleepiness, confusion, a seizure, severe dehydration, or a person who is rapidly worsening. Get prompt advice for a young infant, pregnancy, or a weakened immune system. Tell the service about the fever, rash onset, breathing symptoms, recent travel or exposure, and vaccination history before arrival.

Ask whether the symptoms fit measles, whether testing is needed, how long isolation should continue, and what to do about people at home or school. Ask which fluids, fever measures, and warning signs matter for this person.