Measles: the facts

Measles is a highly infectious viral illness.

It can be very unpleasant and possibly lead to serious complications, including blindness and even death.

But, according to the NHS, it is now rare in the UK due to the MMR vaccination.

• It is most common in children aged between one and four years old, although anyone can get measles if they have not been vaccinated or had it before

Spotting the initial symptoms of measles:

• Cold-like symptoms

• Red eyes and sensitivity to light

• Fever

• Greyish white spots in the mouth and throat

• After a few days a red-brown spotty rash will appear. It usually starts behind the ears, then spreads around the head and neck before spreading to the legs and the rest of the body

You can read more about the initial symptoms of measles here.

There is no specific treatment for measles and your immune system should fight off infection within a couple of weeks.

The NHS website has more information about measles and what you should do to spot the signs.