Publish date: 27 January 2022
Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can be very unpleasant and sometimes lead to serious complications. Although it is now uncommon in the UK because of the effectiveness of vaccination, a recent suspected case has been reported in Lancashire. Anyone can get measles if they have not been vaccinated or have not had it before, although it's most common in young children. Symptoms usually develop around 10 days after exposure and can include:
- cold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, sneezing and a cough
- sore, red eyes that may be sensitive to light
- a high temperature (fever), which may reach around 40C
- small greyish-white spots on the inside of the cheeks
A few days later, a red-brown blotchy rash will appear. This usually starts on the head or upper neck before spreading outwards to the rest of the body.
If you have measles you will be excluded from work for at least 4 days after the onset of the rash.
The Trust has a responsibility to ensure all health professionals and those who may come into contact with patients are fully protected against measles, mumps and rubella to protect staff and patients. If you are unsure of your immunity status then please contact the OHW service. Where necessary they can arrange for blood to be taken to confirm immunity and also provide vaccination if indicated.
In the meantime, you should not attend work if you think you may have measles and instead should isolate and seek advice from your GP in the first instance and inform the OHW service who will advise on return to work arrangements and timescales.