There is an increasing number of people in Birmingham with measles, with many measles cases linked to Birmingham schools. Measles is a very infectious disease that can spread rapidly - outbreaks can happen when not enough people have been vaccinated. While most people recover completely within a couple of weeks, measles can cause serious illness and in rare cases it can be fatal.
Vaccine Reminder
The public health division at Birmingham City Council have published the letter linked below reminding families that the best way to keep children safe from measles is the MMR vaccine, which is safe for every faith – it does not contain pork gelatine. The letter reminds families that you can book an appointment for your child to receive the vaccine by contacting your GP.
Measles Symptoms
If children develop symptoms of measles, parents should contact their GP surgery or 111. They should not go to the GP, to A&E or any other setting without calling ahead. Staff will make special arrangements to see patients so that if they have measles, they won’t pass it to others.
The first signs of measles are:
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high temperature
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runny or blocked nose
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sneezing
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cough
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red, sore, watery eyes
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rash usually appears a few days after cold-like symptoms (sometimes starts around the ears before spreading to rest of the body)
Advice and Guidance
For further advice and guidance around measles, you can call the school and ask to speak to a member of the attendance team.