Measles
Read more MMR info
NHS Wales official website
Measles is an acute highly infectious viral illness caught through direct contact with an infected person or through the air via droplets from coughs or sneezes.
Symptoms include fever, cold-like symptoms, fatigue, conjunctivitis and a distinctive red-brown rash.
Measles is one of a number of notifiable diseases in the UK. Any doctor who suspects that a patient has measles is required by law to report it.
Measles infection can be prevented by a highly effective and safe vaccine which is part of the measles-mump-rubella (MMR) immunisation. More information about measles is available from NHS Direct Wales On-line.
Take a look at our infographics on ‘What you need to know about measles’, ‘immunisation in school aged children in Wales’ and ‘immunisation in 4 year old children in Wales’. These give information about measles and the MMR and feel free to download and print off your own copy.
Prevention
Measles can be prevented by a highly effective and safe vaccine. This is part of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) immunisation.
mmr vaccinationA complete course of the two doses will protect over 95% of children against measles, mumps and rubella. The current immunisation schedule recommends one dose to be given at around 13 months and a second dose given at between 3-5 years of age.
The MMR vaccine has been used for over 30 years (it was introduced in the US in the 1970s), is currently used in over 100 countries, and more than 500 million doses have been given. Studies from around the world have shown MMR to be a highly effective vaccine, with an excellent safety record. The NHS Choices website has more information about this and other vaccines.
Minimising impact in Wales
One important role of Public Health Wales is the collection and interpretation of data about the levels of infectious disease in the Welsh population. Key infections, including measles, are under constant surveillance, to detect significant trends, to evaluate prevention and control measures and to alert appropriate professionals and organisations to infectious disease threats.
The most effective method of controlling measles is by maintaining high levels of immunisation among vulnerable groups or whole populations. Public Health Wales contribute to this through the work of the Vaccine Preventable Disease Programme (VPDP) and Local Health Protection Teams (HPTs).
These support WAG in setting a strategic direction for immunisation services, support LHBs in managing local services and achieving targets, and support General Practice and Trusts delivering services.
In addition Public Health Wales identify and follow up local cases and outbreaks of measles prevent spread of the disease amongst vulnerable people. VPDP initiates and supports interventions to increase the number of children protected against measles by the MMR vaccine.