The number of people catching measles is rising in Salford

People in Salford are being encouraged to check that they, their children and teenagers have had two doses of MMR vaccine following confirmation that measles is circulating in the area.

Councillor John Merry, Deputy City Mayor and Lead Member for Adult Services, Health, and Wellbeing, said: “Measles is a very infectious virus and spreads very easily.

“People who catch measles usually recover completely within a couple of weeks; however, measles can be a very serious illness that can lead to hospitalisation, permanent disability, and occasionally even result in death.

"The MMR jab offers the best protection against measles and importantly vaccination is also about not spreading the disease to others who may be more vulnerable.  Don’t put it off, please act today so we can ensure that all children are given the best protection. The best way to protect yourself, your family and friends, is the MMR vaccination. It is important for anyone who has not already had two doses of the MMR vaccine to contact their GP surgery for an appointment to get vaccinated. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are needed for full protection against measles, preferably by the age of 5 years. MMR is a highly effective and safe vaccine."

Councillor Arnold Saunders, Vice Chair of the Community and Neighbourhoods Scrutiny Panel, also shared: “If you are not sure if you or your child have received two doses of the MMR vaccine (at 12 months and 3 years and 4 months), you can contact your GP practice to check your records and get vaccinated.

“We are advising parents are alert to the signs and symptoms of measles, which can include cold-like symptoms, sore red eyes, a high temperature and a red-brown blotchy rash.  If you experience these symptoms seek medical attention but be sure to phone ahead before you visit your GP surgery or other healthcare setting, so arrangements can be made to prevent others from being infected.”

Measles signs and symptoms

The initial symptoms of measles develop around 10 days after a person is infected but can take between 7 to 21 days and you are infectious to others 4 days before the rash appears. Symptoms can include:

• cold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, sneezing, and a cough
• sore, red eyes that may be sensitive to light
• a high temperature (fever), which may reach around 40C (104F)

A few days later, a red-brown blotchy rash will appear.  This usually starts on the head or upper neck, before spreading outwards to the rest of the body.

Symptoms usually resolve in about 7 to 10 days.

For further information about measles, please visit the NHS website.

Information about the MMR vaccine can also be found on the NHS website.

For accessible videos about measles, including British Sign Language (BSL), please visit Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership.