To call GP/111? Possible Measles

[PinkSnorkel]

There has been a case of measles at DD’s nursery. We were told about this last week. My understanding is that the incubation period would mean any one who caught it would be symptomatic by the end of this week.

Now DD has a bad cough and high temperature (that comes down with pain killers). I usually don’t worry much about either, when she has a temp it goes high and toddlers get coughs all the time.

The thing is these are all symptoms of measles and we also have a newborn. 2 weeks old.

DD has only had one MMR vaccine because she isn’t old enough to have 2. Newborn DD obviously hasn’t had any vaccines.

I have a grandparent who almost went blind from measles.

Can a GP test for it? Perhaps with the aim of early intervention for newborn DD? I have no idea. It just seems useful to know if it is measles or not. DD doesn’t have any rashes but temp only started today.

I usually don’t worry about childhood illness but this is really bothering me even though I know it’s more likely to be just a bad cold than anything more serious.

NHS suggests urgent GP or 111 based on your circumstances Measles - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

A few years ago my children and I were all swabbed when the GP suspected measles as it’s a notifiable disease. No treatment was given.

I would definitely call for advice. At the very least it could put your mind at rest. Wishing DD better soon and you all good health.

There’s no test for measles. As I remember, one of the first signs is white spots in the mouth which then disappear. There’s no real treatment but you need to know what is the matter with your child so you can treat them appropriately,

@Rocknrollstar GPs need to test every suspected case, they can use a PCR test. The test is done in the interest of wider public health rather than to help the individual.
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/653b880ae6c9680014aa9c1f/national-measles-guidelines-october-2023.pdf

I called the GP. They were actually very good, I spoke to the receptionist and explained things and she spoke to the doctor initially for advice and then the doctor rang me back about an hour later.

Basically we have to wait and see if she gets a rash and keep a close eye on newborns temperature. They were generally happy that though DD hasn’t had 2 jabs that’s she should still be fairly well protected and newborn DD will have good protection from maternal antibodies in her blood and from being breastfed.

Dr said they wouldn’t routinely test for measles in our circumstances.

That sounds very reassuring. I had measles as a child. No lasting issues but I had no protection as I hadn’t had any vaccinations. (Medical reasons.)