Measles in children

How do you recognise measles?

Measles often starts suddenly with fever, red and watery eyes, cough and cold symptoms. After three to seven days, spots appear on the skin. These start on the face and then spread to the arms and legs. On the website of GPinfo.nl you will find detailed information on the course and recognition of measles.

Measles is usually not dangerous, but some children can become seriously ill from it. Check homearts.co.uk for a list of the symptoms that may occur.

What to do in case of complaints?

Does your child have symptoms that could indicate measles and are you worried? If so, always contact your GP by phone first. Also call if your child has not been vaccinated and has been in contact with someone who has measles. Do not go to the GP's surgery without consultation, nor let your child go to school or the nursery. This is because measles is very contagious and spreads quickly in crowded places.

When is your child contagious?

• After infection, it takes about 10 days for symptoms to begin.
• Your child is contagious from as early as 2 days before he or she first developed symptoms: fever, cold, red eyes.
• Do you see spots? Then your child is contagious for about 4 days after that.

Measles abroad

Measles is more common in some countries, notably Morocco and Romania. Going on holiday with children? Then make sure you get informed in time about the necessary vaccinations, especially if your child has not yet been vaccinated. Check the website of Amsterdam Municipal Health Service and the flyer on Travelling abroad for more information.