Measles is extremely infectious. One person with measles can infect 15 to 20 unimmunised people. 15 minutes in direct contact with someone infected with measles is sufficient to transmit virus. Measles is spread through coughing and sneezing, close personal contact or direct contact with infected nasal or throat secretions. Measles is infectious from 4 days before rash onset until 4 full days after the rash appears.
Measles is very infectious and can spread rapidly among communities, such as schools, if people have not had at least one dose of the MMR vaccine. We continue to work with partners to raise awareness that people can help protect themselves, their families and those around them by ensuring they are vaccinated with two doses of the MMR vaccine, which is free on the NHS whatever the person’s age.