Keep your family safe from measles

Jodie Williamson, pharmacist and professional development and engagement lead at the Royal Pharmaceutical Society in Wales

PUBLIC Health Wales announced in June that there were four confirmed cases of measles in Newport.

By August 4 the number of cases confirmed in Newport and Torfaen had increased to 13.

This outbreak triggered a rolling vaccination programme in the area, with more than 1,000 children receiving the measlesmumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine.

This outbreak was caused by the same strain of measles that has affected more than 14,000 people across Europe this year, and has killed 35 people.

So what do you need to know about measles to keep you and your family safe?

Measles is a highly-infectious viral illness which is passed from person to person via droplets which are released into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

The virus can live on surfaces for several hours and you can catch measles by touching that surface and then placing your hands near your nose and mouth.

The symptoms of measles are:

Cold-like symptoms such as sneezing and a high temperature; A cough; Sore, red eyes which are sensitive to light;

Small greyish-white spots on the inside of the cheeks;

Reddish-brown blotchy rash which usually appears a couple of days after the other symptoms.

If you think you or your child may have measles you should contact your GP.

It is important to call the surgery before you attend so that they can take steps to reduce the risk of other patients becoming infected while you’re there.

If you or your child has received two doses of the MMR vaccine or previously had measles then it is unlikely to be measles – there are a number of other conditions with similar symptoms.

Measles usually lasts for seven to 10 days and although it is often unpleasant, most cases pass without any additional complications.

However, some people can develop serious, and sometimes life-threatening illnesses, such as pneumonia and meningitis as well as life changing complications including blindness and deafness.

Serious complications are more likely to develop in children under five, children with a poor diet and those with a weakened immune system.

Warning signs to look out for include: Shortness of breath; Sharp chest pain that is worse when breathing in; Coughing up blood; Drowsiness; Confusion; Convulsions (fits). If you or your child develops any of these symptoms you should go to your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department or dial 999 for an ambulance.

There is no specific treatment for measles, but there are a number of things you can do to ease the symptoms in uncomplicated cases.

Paracetamol can be used to reduce a high temperature and relieve pain.

Closing blinds/curtains or dimming lights can help with sensitivity to light.

A sore throat or a cough can be soothed with hot drinks, particularly those containing honey and lemon. It is important to note that honey should not be given to babies under 12 months old.

Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.

Wash away crustiness around the eyes with damp cotton wool.

Your local pharmacist will be able to advise you on the best treatment for your symptoms.

They will also make sure that any medicines you buy over the counter are safe to take with your regular medication if you take any.

The best thing you can do to protect you and your family from measles if make sure that you have all had two doses of the MMR vaccine.

The first dose is usually given to babies when they are between 12 and 13 months old, and the second dose is given at three years and four months, but it is never too late to get vaccinated.

If you’re not sure if you have received the vaccine, contact your GP surgery which will be able to check your records.