Measles is extremely infectious and sadly in some instances can have very serious long term and life changing consequences.

The best protection against measles is the MMR vaccination (see guidance article).

It is important that anyone who hasn’t already had two doses of the MMR vaccine contacts their GP surgery for an appointment to get vaccinated – this is available for adults and children alike.

Anyone with symptoms is also being advised to stay at home and contact NHS 111 or your GP practice by telephone or online for advice – do not present at your GP practice or any healthcare setting unless requested to by a healthcare professional.

Measles symptoms to be aware of include:

• high fever
• sore, red, watery eyes
• coughing
• aching and feeling generally unwell
• a blotchy red brown rash, which usually appears after the initial symptoms.

For more information about measles, see the nhs.uk website here.

Registered medical practitioners (RMPs) have a statutory duty to notify the UKHSA of any notifiable disease, including measles. Notifiable diseases and causative organisms: how to report – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

The HPT would be grateful if General Practices and Primary Care Networks would adopt the attached Health Protection form when notifying them of a case of measles.  MMR information and a brief clinical picture can be recorded on the form, which would be especially valuable and could reduce the need for follow up phone calls.

UKHSA have been notified of a number of suspected cases in Lincolnshire. All have been risk assessed and swab kits sent to the patients for testing.

There are currently NO cases of measles in Lincolnshire.

Please continue to share resources (including those below) by displaying posters, providing information leaflets and posting on social media, to ensure suspected cases can be quickly identified, reported, tested and offered appropriate advice. This will help prevent onward transmission and reduce the risk of outbreaks.