With measles continuing to increase across the country – and cases now in Warrington – it’s really important for you to make sure that you and your children have received two doses of the MMR vaccine.

Measles is a highly infectious disease that is spread through coughing and sneezing. It can lead to serious problems such as pneumonia, bronchitis, ear infections and on rare occasions, long-term disability or death.

You may not know this, but measles is more contagious than COVID-19 and being in close contact with someone who has the virus is enough to catch it if you are not vaccinated. Just one person can pass the virus on to 15-20 people if they are in close proximity for a short period of time.

Measles isn’t just a childhood disease either – it can make adults seriously unwell too. People in certain risk groups including babies and young children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immunity, are at increased risk of complications from the disease.

The free MMR vaccine is our best protection against measles, as well as mumps and rubella. It’s safe and effective and only takes a few minutes.

If you or your child have missed one or both doses of your MMR vaccine, contact your GP practice to book an appointment. It’s the best way to protect ourselves and our loved ones and prevent the illness spreading further.

Warrington Guardian: David Herne

Director of Public Health, Warrington Borough Council

Measles symptoms to look out for:

• High fever

• Sore, red, watery eyes

• Coughing

• Small greyish-white spots in the mouth

• Aching and feeling generally unwell

• A blotchy red brown rash, which usually appears after the initial symptoms.

Anyone with symptoms of measles is advised to stay at home and phone their GP practice or NHS 111 for advice before visiting the practice or A&E.

For more information about the MMR vaccine, visit the NHS website.