Measles: symptoms, care and prevention

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that requires prompt clinical advice and careful infection control.

It spreads readily through respiratory droplets and can make people of any age unwell. Contact a healthcare service before arriving if measles is possible, so they can advise on the safest route to assessment and help reduce exposure to other patients.

Fever is a very common presentation of measles. A cough, runny nose, sore red eyes and a widespread rash can follow, and swollen glands may occur. Some people notice small white spots inside the mouth before the skin rash appears.

Urgent medical help is needed for breathing difficulty, severe drowsiness, confusion, seizures, inability to keep fluids down, or signs of dehydration such as very little urine.

The measles virus spreads when an infected person coughs, sneezes or breathes out respiratory droplets. It can pass between people in homes, schools, workplaces and other shared indoor spaces. Good ventilation and avoiding close contact while infectious help limit onward spread.

Illness often starts with fever and cold-like symptoms before the characteristic rash emerges. Tiredness and reduced appetite can make everyday activities difficult. Recovery may take time, and a clinician can advise on returning to school, work or social activities without exposing others.

People who have not had recommended measles-containing vaccination may be vulnerable after exposure. Babies, pregnant people, adults with reduced immunity and people with long-term health problems may need earlier clinical advice because illness can be more complicated. Tell the clinician about household contacts who may be at increased risk.

A clinician considers the rash, fever, other symptoms, vaccination history, known exposure and recent travel. Testing may be arranged to confirm the infection or to distinguish it from other rash illnesses. Telephone advice before attending helps the clinic plan infection-control precautions.

There is no routine medicine that directly removes measles virus. Care focuses on fluids, rest, managing discomfort or fever with medicines appropriate for the person, and watching for complications. A clinician may recommend hospital care when symptoms are severe, hydration is difficult or there is concern about breathing, neurological symptoms or another complication.

Stay home and limit contact with others according to public-health or clinician advice. Keep the room comfortably ventilated when practical, avoid sharing drinking vessels, and arrange help with food or childcare if needed. Speak with a clinician before giving any medicine to a child or to someone who is pregnant or medically vulnerable.

Measles can lead to ear infections, chest infections, dehydration and, less commonly, inflammation affecting the brain. Worsening cough, chest pain, rapid breathing, persistent fever, severe headache or altered alertness should prompt urgent medical assessment.

Vaccination is the main way to reduce the chance of measles. Check that your household vaccination records are up to date, especially before travel or during an outbreak. After a known exposure, contact a clinician promptly for individual advice; the appropriate action depends on age, health, pregnancy and vaccination history.

A GP can assess suspected measles, arrange testing and advise on protecting close contacts. Call ahead rather than sitting in a waiting room when a rash and fever are present. Emergency care is appropriate for serious breathing problems, seizures, confusion or collapse.