Measles outbreak: Information for people with cancer

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection. According to the NHS website, it usually starts with cold-like symptoms, followed by a rash a few days later.  

The first symptoms include: 

• a high temperature 
• a runny or blocked nose 
• sneezing 
• a cough
• red, sore, watery eyes 

Some people also get small spots in their mouth.  

The measles rash usually appears a few days later. It typically starts behind the ears and on the face, before spreading. 

Measles is a respiratory virus that spreads when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes.  

People are normally infectious from when they first have symptoms (usually a few days before a rash appears) until four days after they get the rash. 

Cancer and its treatments can weaken the immune system. Measles is an infectious disease. If your immunity is reduced it is important to avoid infections such as measles.

We have more information about infection and cancer. 

The most effective way to protect yourself against measles is to get vaccinated with the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. 

However, the vaccine for measles is a live vaccine. If you have not had the MMR vaccine, you will need to avoid live vaccines if your immune system is weak. Live vaccines contain a very weak version of the illness they are vaccinating you against. If your immune system is weak, you may become unwell. 

If you have not had the measles vaccine or have a weak immune system, you can still help protect yourself with good personal hygiene. You should:

• wash your hands regularly with soap and hot water 
• always wash your hands after you have been to the toilet 
• always wash your hands before cooking or eating 
• always wash your hands after working in a garden 
• clean your hands with hand gel, if you are not able to wash them 
• have a shower or bath every day 
• not share towels or flannels. 
  

If you have pets or work with animals, you need to be extra careful. It is usually safe to touch or stroke animals, if you wash your hands afterwards. Avoid handling any animal waste, such as litter trays or manure. 

If you have cancer, and you are worried about the measles outbreak, you may find it most helpful to speak to your GP, your cancer doctor, or a specialist nurse.

The Macmillan Support Line is also here if you need someone to talk to, You can:

• Call the Macmillan Support Line for free on 0808 808 00 00.
• Chat to our specialists online.

This information has been written by our senior medical editors and revised and edited by the Digital Content Team.

Learn more about how we produce our cancer information.