Measles is a highly infectious acute viral illness with a prodromal stage characterised by fever, malaise, coryza, conjunctivitis and cough followed by an erythematous maculopapular rash.
The following features are strongly suggestive of measles:
Measles infection in pregnancy can lead to intra-uterine death and pre-term delivery, but is not associated with congenital infection or damage. Pregnant women who are exposed to measles may also be considered for protection using passive immunisation. A very high proportion of pregnant women will be immune and therefore HNIG is only offered to women who are likely to be susceptible based upon a combination of age, history and / or measles IgG antibody screening.