This information is intended for people who attended a University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (UHB) hospital, such as:
- Good Hope Hospital
- Heartlands Hospital
- Solihull Hospital
- Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Infection Prevention and Control team at UHB, has been informed that a person who attended one of these hospitals, at the same time as you or your child, has measles.
What is measles?
Measles is a disease which spreads very easily. People with measles can get a cough, runny nose, rash and fever. Measles can be serious, particularly for people whose immune system is not working normally. The best way to prevent measles is through vaccination. You can find more information about measles on the NHS website.
What is the risk of catching measles?
Most older children and adults are immune to measles and so are very unlikely to catch it. This is either because they had measles as a child or because they have been vaccinated.
Who needs medical advice?
People with a weakened immunity
You should contact your local doctor (GP) straight away if you have weakened immunity (due to illness or medication). The doctor will assess whether you are immune (that is, you have antibodies) to measles. If the exposure was within the past few days, your doctor may be able to organise treatment to prevent you becoming seriously ill.
Pregnant women
If you are pregnant and not sure of your immunity, please seek your local doctor's (GP) advice.
Children under one year
If you attended hospital with an infant aged under one year old, please also contact your local doctor (GP) for advice.
Please call your local doctor (GP) first before going to the practice or hospital.
You are well and not in the groups listed above
If you are well and not in the groups listed above, you don’t need to take urgent action. However, if you are unsure if you are protected from measles, check with your local doctor (GP).
You can find more information about measles on the NHS website.
What if you become unwell?
If you become unwell and think it could be measles within three weeks of attending Good Hope, Heartlands, Solihull or Queen Elizabeth hospitals, you should see a doctor. You should ring the doctor or clinic before you attend so they can make sure you do not pass the disease to others in the waiting room.
Take your text message with you and tell your local doctor (GP) that you have been in the same room as someone with infectious measles. Your local doctor (GP) should contact the local Health Protection Team for advice.
You can find your nearest Health Protection Team’s address and phone number on the GOV.UK website.
Thank you for your support.
Infection Prevention and Control Team at UHB.
Last reviewed: 23 December 2024