Measles cases rising and are likely to spread rapidly unless more people get vaccinated (UK Health Security Agency). Although rare, measles can be fatal – 23 children and adults died from measles between 2022-23. Measles is a highly contagious disease which is spread by coughs and sneezes – 1 infected child can infect 9 others. Common symptoms include: high fever; sore, red and watery eyes; coughing; sneezing. Small white spots may appear inside the mouth. A blotchy red or brown rash usually appears after a few days, typically on the face and behind the ears before spreading to the rest of the body. Measles normally clears up after seven to 10 days. However, complications can include pneumonia, meningitis, blindness, and seizures. Babies and young children, pregnant women and those with a weakened immune system are more at risk. If you catch it while pregnant, the disease can lead to stillbirth, miscarriage or your baby being born small.
After two doses of the MMR vaccine, 99% of people will be protected against measles and rubella, and 88% will be protected against mumps. Please contact us if you are unsure if you have been vaccinated. If you have chosen not to have your child vaccinated, please reconsider. We strongly believe that the antivax scare stores are baseless – they are not scientific and go against all evidence. Measles and Meningitis can be life changing or fatal and we would strongly encourage you to get your information from reputable sources and reconsider any objections.
