Measles outbreak in Greater Manchester

12th December 2017

People in Greater Manchester are being encouraged to check that they, their children and teenagers have had two doses of MMR vaccine following confirmation that measles is circulating in the area.

The call comes as four cases of measles have now been confirmed in Greater Manchester. PHE is working with local partners to make sure anyone in the area who needs a vaccination to protect against measles is aware.

Dr Will Welfare, Consultant in Health Protection with Public Health England (PHE), said: “Measles is a very infectious virus and can spread rapidly among communities, such as schools, if people have not been fully immunised.

“While most people who catch measles will recover completely within a couple of weeks, it’s important to remember measles can be a very serious illness that can leave permanent disability, and occasionally even kill.

“I would appeal to any parents who have not yet had their children vaccinated to get them protected as soon as possible through their GP. Children should receive two doses of MMR vaccine for maximum protection. MMR not only protects them, but also limits the chances of the virus spreading more widely, for example to children who are too young to have the vaccine and to adults who may be more vulnerable to the disease. MMR is a highly effective and safe vaccine.”

Because measles is so infectious, anyone with symptoms is also being advised to stay at home and phone their GP or NHS 111 for advice in the first instance to prevent the illness spreading further.

If you think you could have measles, it’s also really important to stay away from areas where you could come into contact with lots of other people – so stay away from any Christmas gatherings especially from vulnerable patients in hospitals or care homes.

NHS advice is:

• Stay away from school, nursery or work until five days have elapsed after the onset of a rash.

• Telephone your GP or NHS walk-in centre before attending so that arrangements can be made for you to be treated in a separate area to prevent spread to other vulnerable patients.

• Avoid contact with people generally, but particularly babies, pregnant women and anyone who is known to have poor immunity to infection.