Measles
Measles are a highly infectious disease that can easily spread between people who are not vaccinated. Nearly everyone who catches it will have a high fever and a rash and will be very unwell.
Although it is usually mild and don’t often cause long-term effects, some people can get serious complications. These complications can include meningitis, encephalitis (swelling of the brain) and hearing loss. One in every 15 people gets complications, including infection of the lungs (pneumonia) and brain (encephalitis).
Measles can kill – in a measles outbreak in Wales in 2013 over 1,200 people were infected, 88 needed hospital treatment and one person died. Measles is one of the most infectious diseases known. You and your child are vulnerable to this deadly infection unless you are protected by the vaccine.
Learn more
If you would like to learn more about the vaccine, or the disease they protect against, a number of information resources are available to help.
You can also call NHS 111 or your GP practice for advice if you have any questions.
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