Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
Measles:
What is it?
Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can be very unpleasant and can sometimes lead to serious complications.
How is it spread?
Measles occurs throughout the world and is transmitted by sneezing, coughing or direct contact with respiratory secretions. The measles virus can survive on surfaces for a few hours.
When inside your body, the virus multiplies in the back of your throat and lungs before spreading throughout your body.
People with measles are infectious from when the first symptoms develop until about four days after the rash first appears. Therefore, school or work should be avoided for at least four days from when the rash first appeared to limit the spread of infection.
Advice for Travellers?
Get vaccinated if travelling to a country affected by MMR.
Mumps:
What is it?
Mumps is a contagious viral infection that is spread in the same way as colds and flu.
Mumps will usually pass without causing serious damage to a person's health.
However, on rare occasions mumps can lead to viral meningitis or swelling of the testicles in males or the ovaries in females (if the affected male or female has gone through puberty).
How is it spread?
Mumps occurs throughout the world and is transmitted by sneezing, coughing or direct contact with respiratory secretions.
Advice for Travellers?
Get vaccinated if travelling to a country affected by MMR.
Rubella:
What is it?
Rubella (also known as german measles) is a viral infection that used to be common in children. It is usually a mild condition that gets better without treatment in seven to 10 days.
How is it spread?
Rubella occurs throughout the world and is transmitted by sneezing, coughing or direct contact with respiratory secretions.
Advice for Travellers?
Get vaccinated if travelling to a country affected by MMR.