Measles

Measles is a highly contagious infectious disease caused by the measles virus. One person with measles can infect 12 to 18 others.

Measles occurs worldwide. In most countries children are vaccinated against it.

You can catch the virus through the air from someone who coughs or sneezes. The virus can stay in the air for up to two hours after someone has left a room. Keeping distance is not enough. Fresh air lowers the chance but does not remove it.

Measles usually starts with fever. You feel unwell, have a cold and cough. Small white spots appear on the lining of the mouth. After three to seven days spots appear behind the ears and then over the whole body. Sometimes the disease is more serious, with pneumonia or brain inflammation, and you can die from it.

Most people in the Netherlands were vaccinated as children in the national programme, or have had measles. If you are not vaccinated and have never had measles, it is wise to get the MMR vaccine (mumps, measles and rubella).

If you were born between 1965 and 1975 you have a higher chance of measles: you were born before measles vaccination was in the national programme. If you travel to a country with more measles, it is wise to get MMR.

Children younger than fourteen months have not yet had MMR. If they travel to a country with more measles than the Netherlands, they can in some cases receive MMR from 6 months of age. Ask a child health clinic or travel clinic for advice.