Measles Outbreak: Information for Community Pharmacy

Published: 25/01/24

Our colleagues at Public Health Scotland (PHS) have brought to our attention a recent outbreak of measles.

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Whilst we believe numbers presenting to community pharmacies will be low, we would like to make you aware of what can be provided under the NHS Pharmacy First Scotland service, if such cases arise:

Under NHS Pharmacy First Scotland we can provide the following symptom management and advice:

• provide paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve fever, aches and pains – aspirin should not be given to children under 16 years old

• drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration

• close the curtains to help reduce light sensitivity

• use damp cotton wool to clean the eyes

Further Information

Measles, which is spread through tiny droplets from the nose and mouth, is highly infectious and can be very unpleasant, affecting people of any age if they have not been vaccinated. It can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia and inflammation of the brain (encephalitis).

A few measles cases have been reported across other parts of the UK and Europe this year. While there have been very few recent cases of measles in Scotland, there remains a risk of infection in those who have only received one dose, or no doses, of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Having two doses of the MMR vaccine is the best way to be fully protected against measles.

Symptoms of Measles

As more people are turning to the NHS Pharmacy First service for advice about their health, we thought we would recap the typical symptoms of measles, which develop around 10 days after infection, below:

• cold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, sneezing, and a cough

• sore, red eyes that may be sensitive to light

• watery eyes

• swollen eyes

• a high temperature (fever), which may reach around 40°C (104°F)

• small greyish-white spots in the mouth

• aches and pains

• loss of appetite

• tiredness, irritability, and a general lack of energy

• measles rash:

  • appears around 2 to 4 days after the initial symptoms and normally fades after about a week.

  • is made up of small red-brown, flat or slightly raised spots that may join together into larger blotchy patches

  • usually first appears on the head or neck, before spreading outwards to the rest of the body

  • is slightly itchy for some people

Further information on measles and the MMR vaccine, how to manage symptoms, and when to seek further medical assistance, can be found on NHS Inform: Measles | NHS inform and MMR against measles | NHS inform.

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