Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR)

Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR) is a highly contagious virus found in many countries. Travel is a major factor in the spread of the virus, and outbreaks are reported worldwide. Measles is one of the leading causes of childhood deaths globally

Symptoms

High fever lasting 4-7 days, conjunctivitis, runny nose, cough and aches & pains. After a few days a blotchy rash appears on the head and neck before spreading over the rest of the body.

How do you catch Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR)?
Measles is spread through direct contact with infected persons, through coughing or sneezing.

Incubation period
7 – 18 Days

Diagnosis
Based on symptoms or testing blood/saliva

Prevention
A combined measles, mumps and rubella vaccine (MMR) is available to children as part of the UK childhood immunisation schedule. It is recommended that travellers visiting risk areas are up to date with MMR also.

Treatment
As there is no cure for measles, treatment aims to support recovery and antibiotics may be prescribed for some complications.

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Vaccination options

A safe, effective vaccine combined with mumps & rubella is available for travellers and for those that need it for occupational purposes. Live vaccine, not suitable for everyone (please discuss with a travel nurse).

Level of protection: 95-99%

Protection duration:  lifelong after two doses, no booster required

How is it given: Two injections, four weeks apart.

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Did you know?

  • Common complications include severe diarrhoea and ear infections; more serious complications include blindness and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).
  • The World Health Organisation’s Measles and Rubella Initiative aims to eliminate measles in 5 WHO regions by 2020 through high vaccination coverage
  • A small study in 1988 linked the MMR vaccine to autism, however this was discredited through three major case studies that showed no link between the MMR vaccine and autistic disorders.

Clinical Oversight By:

Professor David Ross

Professor David Ross OStJ

Medical Director, MASTA

PhD MSc MBBS MRCGP FRCPCH FFPH FFTM RCPS(Glasg.) FRCP(Glasg.)

GMC No. 3115417

Professor David Ross OStJ is the Medical Director of MASTA and has been associated with MASTA since 2005. He served 41 years in the Army, including over 10 years as senior advisor on public health to the UK Surgeon General. In 2012 he was appointed the Parkes Professor of Preventive Medicine, in 2014 an Honorary Queen’s Physician and in 2023 an Officer in the Order of St John.

Professor David Ross

Professor David Ross OStJ

Medical Director, MASTA

PhD MSc MBBS MRCGP FRCPCH FFPH FFTM RCPS(Glasg.) FRCP(Glasg.)

GMC No. 3115417

Professor David Ross is the Medical Director at MASTA and has been associated with the company since 2005. He was commissioned into the Royal Army Medical Corps in 1983 and graduated in medicine from St Bartholomew’s Hospital, London in 1986. In 2012 he was appointed the Parkes Professor of Preventive Medicine, in 2014 an Honorary Queen’s Physician and in 2023 an Officer in the Order of St John. He was the senior advisor on public health from 2012–2023 to the UK Surgeon General. He retired from the Army in October 2024, after 41 years active service.

Professor David Ross was Director of Education, Honorary Secretary, and Vice Dean before becoming Dean of the Faculty of Travel Medicine, Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons (Glasgow) in October 2024. Recent travel medicine research interests have included malaria prevention and tuberculosis screening. He was Chief Examiner of the Diploma of Medicine in Conflict & Catastrophes at the Society of Apothecaries until 2024, is Chair of the Final UK MFPH and an Examiner at the UK Faculty of Public Health.

The last few years of his military working life were dominated by supporting the international and national public health response to COVID-19, where he managed many large COVID outbreaks both overseas and in the UK. David also led research into risk factors for mental ill health in the UK Army and for this was awarded a PhD by the University of Glasgow in 2024.