Measles cases rising in London: check your child’s vaccinations
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
Measles cases have been rising in London since January, with several outbreaks reported in parts of the city. Most of the children who have caught measles recently had not received the MMR or MMRV vaccine.
Because measles spreads very easily, schools and nurseries can see outbreaks when vaccination levels fall.
The Public Health team at Lewisham Council have asked local organisations like Besson Street Trust to help share important information to help local parents and carers stay informed and keep children safe.
What is measles?
Measles is a very infectious illness that spreads easily through coughing, sneezing and close contact.
It often starts like a cold before the rash appears. While many children recover, measles can sometimes cause serious complications.
Around 1 in 5 children who get measles need hospital care (NHS England), and in rare cases it can lead to conditions such as pneumonia, meningitis or seizures.
The good news is that vaccination provides very strong protection.
Symptoms to look out for (source: NHS website)
Measles usually begins with symptoms that look like a cold. According to the NHS, the most common signs are:
Early symptoms
High temperature (fever)
Runny or blocked nose
Cough
Red or watery eyes
Sneezing
Spots in the mouth
Small white spots may appear inside the cheeks and on the back of the lips a few days later. These spots usually last a few days.
Later symptoms
A red or brown rash, usually starting on the face and behind the ears before spreading to the rest of the body
If your child develops these symptoms, it’s best to seek advice.
What to do if you think your child has measlesIf you think your child may have measles:
This helps prevent the illness spreading to others, especially babies, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems. More information about measles symptoms and treatment can be found on the NHS website:https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/measles/ |
Check your child’s vaccination
These are usually given at 12 months and 18 months of age.
Nearly all children who have recently developed measles had not received the vaccine.
If you’re not sure whether your child has had both doses, you can check by:
Looking in your child’s Red Book
Checking the NHS App
Asking your GP surgery
If a dose has been missed, you can arrange a free vaccination appointment through your GP or the school immunisation service.
Helping protect our community
Vaccination protects not only your own child but also others in the community who may be more vulnerable to infection.
If you’re unsure about your child’s vaccination status, it’s worth taking a moment to check.
A small step can help keep families across New Cross and Lewisham healthy and protected.
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