General Notices

Measles

We are writing to inform you that a student in the school has a suspected case of measles. 

Measles is an infection that spreads very easily. It can occur suddenly, and people can become unwell quickly. At the end of this letter, there is more information about measles – please read this to learn more about the symptoms of measles, how it spreads and about vaccination against

measles. There is also further information available about measles at www.nhs.uk/conditions/measles.

When to speak to your GP

Some people need to ask their doctor for advice as soon as possible:

People with a weak immune system

If you have a weakened immune system, you should contact your GP and tell them that you may have been in contact with someone who has measles. Your doctor may want to do a test to find out if you are protected from measles, or give you treatment to reduce your risk of becoming

unwell.

Pregnant women

If you are pregnant and think you may have missed a dose of the MMR vaccine, or are unsure if you have had the vaccine, contact your doctor or midwife and tell them that you may have been in contact with someone who has measles.

Children aged under 12 months old

If your child under 12 months old living with someone who has measles, please contact your GP for advice.

People who become unwell

You should speak to your GP or NHS 111 if you or your child get a high temperature with a cough, runny nose, sore red eyes or rash in the 3 weeks. You should try to call your GP or NHS 111 before visiting them in person. This is to avoid spreading measles to others.

Tell your doctor that you or your child has received this letter and may have been in contact with someone who has measles. It can be difficult to know when to seek help if your child is unwell. If you are worried about your child, especially if they are aged under 2 years old, then you should seek medical help.

People who have not had 2 doses of the MMR vaccine

If you are unsure if you or your child have had 2 doses of the MMR vaccine, which will protect you against measles, contact your GP to arrange vaccination. If you have missed a dose you can still be vaccinated at any age. Please see further information on the MMR vaccine in the factsheet.

When can you return to normal activities if you have measles

Someone who has measles can spread the infection in the four days before they get the rash. Once they have a rash, they can still spread the infection for another four days.

If someone is thought to have measles, they should stay away from their education or childcare setting, or work, for at least four days from when the rash first appears. They should also avoid close contact with infants under 12 months, people who are pregnant and people with weakened immune

systems.

Please see the below poster for more information on how to vaccinate your child in Barnet. More information on Measles can be found here;

MMR Vaccine | Vaccination UK Schools