What are the symptoms?

THOSE worried about the infection should look out for these initial signs: High fever Runny nose Conjunctivitis Cough A rash then usually develops, starting at the head and spreading to the chest, back and limbs over three to four days. People are infectious from their first symptoms to four days after the rash appears. Symptoms start around one to two weeks after exposure to an infectious case.

Those who catch measles are generally very unwell and frequently admitted to hospital.

Complications, including pneumonia, are common, and the death rate is approximately one in 5,000 cases in the UK.

The MMR vaccine is available to adults and children who are not up to date with their two doses.

Routinely, the first dose of MMR is given between 12 and 13 months, and the second at three years and four months.