30/04/2025
We wanted to inform you that the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) East of England is working with NHS and local authority partners following three confirmed cases of measles at a nursery in Essex.
Parents and staff have been informed of the situation and have been advised of the signs and symptoms to look out for.
As a precaution, everyone who has not had two doses of the MMR vaccine is being reminded to get it as soon as possible. The MMR vaccine is our best protection from measles, mumps, and rubella.
Parents should check their children’s red book to see if they are up to date and contact their GP surgery if they aren’t sure and book an appointment to catch up on any doses they have missed.
We are asking colleagues across primary care to please be vigilant.
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. These 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.
