Measles is a contagious infection caused by a virus. Measles is also known as rubeola. Measles is more common in winter and spring. The measles virus causes an unpleasant, and sometimes serious, illness. It mainly affects children, but can occur at any age. Its most characteristic feature is a reddish skin rash. The measles rash appears, usually on the head and neck first, and then spreading to cover all the body.

Measles is one the most readily transmitted communicable diseases. Measles outbreaks can result in epidemics that cause many deaths, especially among young, malnourished children.

• Anybody that has not had measles or been immunized against it, can be infected. Among unimmunized people exposed to the virus, over 90% will contract the disease.
• Measles is spread through the air by infectious droplets and is highly contagious.
• Measles is highly contagious and is easily spread from person to person by breathing in airborne respiratory droplets from an infected person’s coughing or sneezing.
• Measles can be dangerous to the unborn child so your child should stay away from pregnant women who have not had measles. If your child does come into contact with a pregnant woman who has not had measles, she should visit her GP immediately.