The Measles

The most effective way of preventing measles is the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine (MMR)

Exclusion period

Four days from onset of rash

Consequently, measles cases are rare but are most common among children aged 1-4 years old.

The body’s immune system will naturally fight off measles within a couple of weeks after which you typically develop an immunity to it. However complications such as pneumonia, ear and eye infection and croup can appear.

If you suspect that your child has measles then see your GP immediately.


Around 9-11 days after the infection, the following symptoms will appear: cold-like symptoms (runny nose, watery eyes), red eyes and sensitivity to light, a mild to sever temperature, tiny grey-white spots in the mouth and throat, tiredness and lack of energy, aches and pains, poor appetite, dry cough and a red-brown spotty rash.

These symptoms generally last up to 14 days.

The rash appears three to four days after the initial symptoms and last up to eight days. Usually starting behind the ears, the spots spread around the head and neck then to the legs and rest of the body.

Read more about this illness at the NHS website.