GM Measles Outbreak

10th April 2019

A total of 37 confirmed cases of measles have been reported within Greater Manchester in the last 3 months, with cases seen in five local authorities (Salford, Manchester, Bury, Bolton and Oldham).

A large number of cases were identified in the Orthodox Jewish community within Salford, Manchester and Bury. In Oldham the majority of the cases reported were within the Romanian community.

Measles case vigilance and management: clinicians across primary and secondary care should have received information from Public Health England and reminded that suspected measles cases should be isolated immediately to protect other patients, where appropriate a diagnostic specimen should be sent and the case should be excluded from school, nursery or work for 4 days after the onset of rash.

PHE National Measles Guidelines are available at: PHE Measles Guidelines and a measles self-identify poster for GP Practices are available at Posters: Measles Outbreak

All suspected measles cases should be promptly notified to the local Health Protection Team (HPT) to facilitate timely public health action, including urgent risk assessment of any vulnerable contacts.