Measles in Sheffield

Measles is the most infectious of all the diseases spread through breathing and coughing. Measles can be severe, particularly in people with lowered immunity and young infants. It is also more severe in pregnancy, and increases the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, or preterm delivery. Cases are increasing in England and cases have been identified very recently in Sheffield, because immunisations rates have fallen. As it spreads very fast, there is anxiety that we could see more cases in children and in adults who have not had the vaccine.

Symptoms consist of a combination of rash, fever, runny nose, with conjunctivitis and sometimes diarrhoea. There are possible serious complications such as pneumonia, severe ear infections and rarely a brain inflammation which can be fatal. If older children are not immunised and get the disease, they can also pass it to babies in the family who are too young to have the vaccine putting them at high risk, as well as to pregnant mothers.

Anyone whose child has not had 2 doses of MMR which is a vaccine that protects from Measles Mumps and Rubella, should seriously consider taking this up with their GP Practice who will be able to answer any questions.

Published on 7 February 2024