What you should do if your child has measles and the symptoms to look out for
The letter said there has been a recent increase in measles cases in Merseyside which is "putting children and young people at risk within out communities and our hospital." It added several children are "seriously unwell" and are receiving treatment at the hospital.
NHS bosses said the reason there has been more cases of measles in children and young people is because fewer people are having the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles as well as two other viruses called mumps and rubella. The letter stated that the number of children being treated at Alder Hey for effects and complications of measles is increasing.
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The NHS has shared what parents should do if they suspect their child has Measles. On its website, the health agency states: "Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if you think your or your child may have measles."
Other reasons the NHS urge people to call NHS 111 includes:
your child is under 1 year old and has come into contact with someone who has measles
you've been in close contact with someone who has measles and you're pregnant or have a weakened immune system
you or your child have a high temperature that has not come down after taking paracetamol or ibuprofen
you or your child have difficulty breathing – you may feel more short of breath than usual
your baby or young child is not feeding well, or taking less feeds or fluids than usual
you or your child are peeing less than usual (or your baby has fewer wet nappies)
you or your child feels very unwell, or you're worried something is seriously wrong
To look after yourself, and your child, you should see a GP as there are things that can help to ease symptoms and reduce the risk of spreading infection.
NHS advises that rest and plenty of fluids can help to avoid dehydration, taking paracetamol or ibuprofen for a high temperature and giving your child paracetamol or ibuprofen if they're distressed or uncomfortable.
However, parents should check the packaging or leaflet to make sure the medicine is suitable for your child, or speak to a pharmacist or GP if you're not sure. Another helpful way to ease symptoms is to use cotton wool soaked in warm water to gently remove any crusts from your or your child's eyes
Measles is spread when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. You're infectious from when you first have symptoms (around 4 days before the rash appears) until 4 days after you get the rash.
a high temperature
a runny or blocked nose
sneezing
a cough
red, sore, watery eyes
Following this, small white spots may appear inside the cheeks and on the back of the lips after a few days later. There usually last a few days, according to the health service.
A rash usually appears as well, starting on the face and behind the ears before spreading to the rest of the day. The NHS continues to state that the spots from the rash may be raised an join together to blotchy patches and are not usually itchy.
It's very unlikely people will catch measles if they have had both doses of the MMR vaccine or they have had measles before but if people are not sure it is meals they should ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111.
For babies and children 12 months and over, parents are advised to ask at their GP practice if they are unsure about whether they or their child have had the vaccine.
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