Symptoms and Timeline
| Day | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Day 1-4 (prodrome) | High fever, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis (red eyes) |
| Day 2-3 | Koplik spots — small white spots inside the mouth (highly characteristic) |
| Day 3-5 | Red-brown rash starts on face, spreads down body over several days |
| Day 7-10 | Rash fades, cough may persist |
Serious Complications
- Pneumonia — most common cause of measles death
- Encephalitis (brain inflammation) — occurs in 1 in 1000 cases, can cause permanent brain damage
- Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) — rare, fatal, delayed brain complication years later
- Ear infections leading to hearing loss
- Diarrhoea and dehydration
- Blindness (particularly in malnourished children, vitamin A deficient)
Why Measles Is Returning
Measles was declared eliminated in many countries after successful vaccination programmes. However, MMR uptake has fallen below the 95% threshold needed for herd immunity in many areas, driven by vaccine misinformation (including the debunked 1998 Wakefield study), leading to resurgent outbreaks.Highly Contagious — Isolate and InformIf measles is suspected, contact your GP or NHS 111 by phone BEFORE attending in person — do not go directly to a waiting room, as measles spreads through the air and can infect vulnerable people (infants, pregnant women, immunocompromised) even briefly.
MMR Catch-UpIf you or your child missed any MMR doses, it's never too late to catch up — the vaccine is free on the NHS at any age and provides excellent protection even when given later than the routine schedule.
Does the MMR vaccine cause autism?
No. This claim originated from a single fraudulent, retracted study by Andrew Wakefield in 1998. Dozens of subsequent large studies involving millions of children worldwide have found no link between MMR and autism.
Can vaccinated people still get measles?
Rarely — the MMR vaccine is about 97% effective after 2 doses. Breakthrough infections are typically much milder than in unvaccinated people.
How long is someone with measles contagious?
From 4 days before the rash appears until 4 days after it appears — this long infectious window before symptoms are obvious is part of why measles spreads so effectively.
Medical Disclaimer: This page is for general education only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.