Health Advice from NHS and Public Health, England

Measles

Open letter to Parents and Carers in Merseyside from Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, UKHSA and Directors of Public Health for Liverpool, Sefton and Knowsley
 

A recent increase in measles cases in Merseyside is putting children and young people at risk within our communities and our hospital.

Several children are seriously unwell and receiving treatment at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.

Measles is on the rise amongst our children. We can all help stop it. Get vaccinated now.

What is the current situation with measles in Merseyside?

We are seeing an increase in measles cases in Merseyside with more of our local children and young people becoming ill.

The reason we are seeing more cases of measles in our children and young people is because fewer people are having the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles as well as two other viruses called mumps and rubella.

The number of children being treated at Alder Hey for effects and complications of measles is increasing. Children in hospital who are very poorly for another reason, are at higher risk of catching the virus.

What is measles?

Measles is caused by a highly contagious virus which can infect anyone who isn’t immune. Symptoms can be severe and are leading to increasing numbers of children being admitted to our hospital. In rare cases, catching the disease can be fatal. There is no specific treatment for measles.

Anyone can catch measles at any age. Measles is particularly dangerous for some of our most vulnerable children and young people, including those under one year of age and those already battling other serious illnesses like cancer.

Measles usually starts with a runny nose, sneezing, coughing and a high temperature. It may also cause red, sore eyes. The measles rash follows a few days later, starting on the face and behind the ears before spreading to the rest of the body.

How can I prevent my child from catching measles?

The MMR vaccination is the safest and best defence against measles.

This vaccine has been available for many years and is proven to be safe. Two doses of the MMR vaccine will give lifelong protection against measles, mumps and rubella. The vaccination is free and easily available from your GP at any age. For children, the first dose of the vaccine is typically given at 12 months of age, and the second at around 3 years and 4 months. 

Studies have shown that there is no link between receiving vaccine and developing autism spectrum disorders. 

Please protect yourself as well as our children and young people by ensuring you are vaccinated.

Anyone who suspects they or their child has measles should call their GP surgery or NHS 111 first before turning up at a healthcare setting such as a GP practice, urgent treatment centre or accident and emergency department, to help stop the spread of the virus.

You can find further information on MMR and other childhood vaccinations here: https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/nhs-vaccinations-and-when-to-have-them/  For further information about measles visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/measles/

Alfie Bass, Medical Director Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust

Nathan Askew, Chief Nurse, Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust

Professor Matthew Ashton, Director of Public Health for Liverpool Council

Margaret Jones, Director of Public Health for Sefton Council

Dr. Sarah McNulty, Director of Public Health for Knowsley Council

Dr Merav Kliner, Regional Deputy Director from UKHSA North West

Scarlet Fever and Strep A - Please consult the latest Government guidance at:  

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ukhsa-update-on-scarlet-fever-and-invasive-group-a-strep-1 

'Dr Colin Brown, Deputy Director, UKHSA, said:

Scarlet fever and ‘strep throat’ will make children feel unwell, but can be easily treated with antibiotics. Symptoms to look out for include fever, sore throat, swollen glands, difficulty swallowing, and headache. Scarlet fever causes a sandpapery rash on the body and a swollen tongue. NHS services are under huge pressure this winter, but please visit NHS.UK, contact 111 online or your GP surgery if your child has symptoms of scarlet fever or ‘strep throat’ so they can be assessed for treatment.

At this time of year, there are lots of winter illnesses circulating that can make children unwell. Most of these can be managed at home and NHS.UK has information to help parents look after children with mild illness.

It is very rare that a child will go on to become more seriously ill, but parents know better than anyone else what your child is usually like, so you’ll know when they are not responding as they would normally. Make sure you speak to a healthcare professional if your child is getting worse after a bout of scarlet fever, a sore throat or respiratory infection – look out for signs such as a fever that won’t go down, dehydration, extreme tiredness, intense muscle pains, difficulty breathing or breathing very fast.'

 

Good hand and respiratory hygiene are important for stopping the spread of many germs. By teaching your child how to wash their hands properly with soap for 20 seconds, using a tissue to catch coughs and sneezes, and keeping away from others when feeling unwell, they will be able to reduce the risk of picking up or spreading infections.

The first symptoms of scarlet fever include flu-like symptoms, including a high temperature, a sore throat and swollen neck glands (a large lump on the side of your neck).

A rash appears 12 to 48 hours later. It looks like small, raised bumps and starts on the chest and tummy, then spreads. The rash makes your skin feel rough, like sandpaper.

On white skin the rash looks pink or red. On brown and black skin it might be harder to see a change in colour, but you can still feel the rash and see the raised bumps.

Contact 111 (online if child over 5) or GP surgery if your child has scarlet fever symptoms.

Symptoms can include nausea and vomiting.

The symptoms of ‘strep’ throat include:

• flu-like symptoms, such as a high temperature, swollen glands or an aching body
• sore throat

Contact 111 (online if child over 5) or GP surgery if your child has ‘strep’ throat symptoms.

The symptoms of iGAS include:

• high fever
• severe muscle aches
• localised muscle tenderness
• increasing pain, swelling and redness at site of wound
• unexplained diarrhoea or vomiting

There are several viruses circulating that cause sore throats, colds and coughs. These should resolve without needing medical attention. Antibiotics are not needed for viral infections. However, children can on occasion develop a bacterial infection at the same time as a virus and that can make them more unwell.

As a parent, if you feel that your child seems seriously unwell, you should trust your own judgement. Contact NHS 111 (online if child over 5) or your GP surgery if:

• your child is getting worse
• your child is feeding or eating much less than normal
• your child has had a dry nappy for 12 hours or more or shows other signs of dehydration
• your baby is under 3 months and has a temperature of 38°C, or is 3 to 6 months and has a temperature of 39°C or higher
• your baby feels hotter than usual when you touch their back or chest, or feels sweaty
• your child is very tired or irritable
•  

Call 999 or go to A&E if:

• your child is having difficulty breathing – you may notice grunting noises or their tummy sucking under their ribs
• there are pauses when your child breathes
• your child’s skin, tongue or lips are blue
• your child is floppy and will not wake up or stay awake
•  

Cases of GAS usually increase during the winter and the last time significant numbers of cases were reported was in the 2017 to 2018 season. Seasons with high cases can occur every 3 to 4 years but social distancing measures implemented during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic may have interrupted this cycle and may explain the current increase being observed.

While invasive group A strep is rare, close contacts of cases are at greater risk of developing the infection. Health protection teams follow national guidance to manage the contacts of iGAS cases and advise preventative treatment if necessary.