This guidance for GPs on suspected and confirmed measles cases has been issued on behalf of NHS Lothian’s Measles Preparedness Group, February 2024. This covers symptoms, process for confirmed or suspected cases and how to ensure you have the right swabs for testing if required.
Measles is on the rise in parts of the UK and Europe and five cases have been confirmed in Scotland since October 2023.
Symptoms
Symptoms of measles can include:
- High fever (generally over 38°C) for 3 or more days
- And some but not necessarily all below:
- Coryzal symptoms and cough
- Conjunctivitis
- Generalised red, maculopapular (non-vesicular) rash, generally starts on the face and behind the ears. Not itchy, generally lasts for 3 to 7 days.
- Koplik spots, usually 1 day before up to 2 to 3 days after the rash appears. Small spots with white or bluish-white lesions, 2 to 3mm in diameter, on an erythematous base on the buccal mucosa.
Who to contact:
Please discuss case with Duty Virologist urgently of any suspected case of measles to check need for testing. Virology can be contacted via virologyadvice@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk or 0131-536 3373 option 2 between 9am and 5 pm, Monday to Friday. Outwith hours, please call the switchboard on 0131 536 1000 and ask for Virology consultant on call. If case warrants testing by PCR, Virology will contact the East Health protection team.
Please use GP Order Comms (ICE) to request the test, INCLUDING MEASLES IN THE CLINICAL DETAILS and use the standard virology swab:
If the PCR swab is sent without prior agreement, it will not be tested.
